Being a caregiver is one of the most stressful jobs out there. You do it because you care about your loved one. But it's stressful. You are responsible for the health and well-being of another person, and often times you are doing this while also managing your own life. It's no wonder that caregivers often feel overwhelmed and stressed out. Whether you're caring for your ailing parent, a sick spouse, a special needs child or anyone in your life, caregiving comes with all kinds of stresses.

Here are some tips to help you cope with the unique stress of being a caregiver:

Caregiver Tip #01: Take at least a few minutes for yourself each day

It's important to take some time for yourself every day, even if it's just a few minutes. This will help you recharge and stay centered. Perhaps it's listening to a music you enjoy, taking a few minutes for paced breathing exercises, walking the dog, journaling or even just picking up the phone to call a friend.

Taking a few minutes to just be you each day needs to part of your daily self care routine. Think of it as almost preventative care for yourself to help avoid caregiver burnout. Truly, finding these little ways to take care of yourself can actually help you be a better caregiver.

Caregiver Tip #02: Establish a routine

A routine can help you feel more in control and organized. When you're a caregiver for a loved one, there are often MANY things outside your control. Unexpected things come up. Health emergencies. Surprise bills or new things you need to do to care for your loved ones. Just...stuff. But having a "normal" routine can give you at least a tiny sense of control. It gives your brain a little bit of "rest" in that when you're engaged in a routine it knows what to expect next.

Caregiver Tip #03: Take long breaks when you need them

When you're feeling overwhelmed, take some time for yourself. Go for a walk, watch your favorite show, or just relax in a quiet room. If you can, have someone else take over for a bit so you can get out of the house and more fully get some distance from the stress of caregiving for a few hours or even a few days. This will help you recharge and come back stronger.

Caregiver Tip #04: Talk to someone.

It can be really helpful to talk to someone about what you're going through. Whether it's a friend, family member or mental health professional; having someone to listen and give feedback can be really helpful when facing the stresses of caregiving. You might also consider joining a support group for caregivers to connect with others in similar situations.

Caregiver Tip #05: Stay on top of the basics

It's important to stay on top of things like bills, insurance information, taking out the trash each week, filling medication refills before the last minute or keeping routine appointments (think things like the dentist, your own yearly physical, eye appointments, etc).

Honestly, when your loved one is really struggling or when you feel especially stressed it's easier than you'd like to think to start missing these things. However, staying organized can help you feel more sure that nothing is being missed when it comes to caring for your loved one. You may find it helpful to set alarms for yourself or to ask another person to help with some of these sorts of things. Because these things do matter and staying on top of them now will help you in the long run.

Caregiver Tip #06: Be mindful of your own mental health needs

It's ok for you to struggle or to have a rough mental health day as well. You're still human after all. Many caregivers struggle with mental health outside of being a caregiver coping with routine depression, anxiety or the impact of past trauma. Throw in the extra stress of caregiving and it gets even harder to function. But it matters. Your mental health matters. Even when you're knee-deep in caregiving.

So, be kind to yourself. Understand that you might not be your best self all the time and that's ok. Know that it's

Caregiver Tip #07: Get some exercise

This one is a biggie and many, many caregivers find themselves struggling to prioritize their own exercise while caregiving. But truly, it can help you in so many areas. Exercise releases endorphins, which have been shown to help improve moods and overall happiness levels. When you're feeling down, it can be really helpful to go for a walk, run or even just do some light stretching. Additionally, exercise is part of taking care of your own physical health.

Caregiver Tip #08: Get enough sleep

Most people need around eight hours of sleep per night. But when you're worried about another person's physical health, it can be difficult to sleep. If you're a parent caring for a young child they may wake you up frequently. Or if you have an ill loved one half an ear may always be listening in case they have a medical emergency or just wake up needing something.

But sleep is important. It's hard to do your best at anything else when you're constantly tired. So, try to prioritize sleep. Ask yourself what your brain and body need in order to relax at night. Do you need to put a monitor in your loved one's bedroom so you can listen for problems more easily? Would it help to do a progressive muscle relaxation before bed to help let go of the day's stress? Do you need a hot bath or a cup of warm milk to wind down? Figure out what works for you and then prioritize it.

The Bottom Line: Care for the Caregiver

Caregiving is a difficult job. But with the right tools, it can be a little bit easier. These are just some of the tips that we hope will help caregivers in their journey. But the bottom line is that caring for yourself is important. You deserve the attention and nurturing. And it has the added bonus of helping you be a better caregiver. So, remember to take care of yourself as well and to reach out for support when needed. Caring for others is an important role and should not be taken lightly. We wish you all the best in your journey!

Counseling for Caregivers in Missouri

Thank you for reading our blog post and find these tips helpful for managing your stress as a caregiver! If you're looking for more support, the therapists at Aspire Counseling may be able to help. We have some therapists who specialize in supporting caregivers. Whether you're struggling simply struggling with the stress of caregiving or also need support around other mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, grief (whether that's for what you've given up to be in this caregiver role or anticipatory grief if you are grieving what it is to come) or trauma therapy, our counselors can help.

We offer in person counseling at our counseling office in Columbia, MO. Or, we offer online counseling services as well to anyone in the state of Missouri. It all starts with you either calling us (573-328-2288) or submitting a form online and our client care team will work hard to get you matched with the right clinician.

You matter. You are a whole person who deserves to be seen, understood, recognized and supported. We’re here to help.