Realistic Self-Care
Anchor Phrase: My well-being matters too.
Dear Caregiver,
“Self-care” has become a common buzzword and one that is often flung at tired caregivers in an almost accusatory way. The irony is that caregivers do need extra care, but that we are also the ones who have less time, energy, and funds to spend on ourselves. Even if that wasn’t the case, we often put our own needs at the very bottom of the list or omit ourselves from the list completely.
But caregiver, the research is clear. The impact of caregiving on our physical, mental, and emotional health is real. So much so that some studies call the caregiver “the next patient.” I say this not to scare you, but as a wake-up call that it is time to put yourself back on the list.
In this chapter, we are going to remind ourselves that our well-being matters too and dig into realistic strategies to support that well-being. Let’s begin.
Allison Breininger
Founder and Executive Director of The Negative Space
reflection questions
- What does it feel like when someone says, “Don’t forget to take care of yourself!” What do you wish you could say to that person?
- In what ways has caregiving impacted your physical, emotional, and mental health?
- How does it feel to read in the letter above that some studies call the caregiver “the next patient”?
- The anchor phrase for this chapter is “My well-being matters too.” Do you believe that?
- What might happen if you continue on the same trajectory you are currently on?
Guided Meditation
Essays and Poetry
My Body is like a Honda Civic
The Civic is driven with multiple indicator lights blazing on the dashboard,
each of which is ignored
or deemed unimportant,
since the car continues to run.
Take Care of Yourself
“Don’t forget to take care of yourself,” they say,
looking pityingly into my dark circle-ringed eyes.
I see their Concern, Sincerity, Worry. But I wonder,
Do they think it was a reminder I needed?