You want to be the best version of a caregiver as possible for your loved one. Maybe you find yourself giving 110% every day to make sure their needs are met. It’s easy to let your physical, mental, and emotional well-being fall to the wayside when caring for someone else. Without taking proper time and space for yourself, you’re at risk of burning out. Keep reading to learn about how to avoid burnout and take care of yourself as a caregiver.
What Is Caregiver Burnout?
You may have heard of burnout in the context of school or work, but did you know that caregivers can also burn out? According to Cleveland Clinic, caregiver burnout is “a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can happen when you dedicate time and energy to manage the health and safety of someone else.”
Everyone feels tired, worried, or stressed from time to time. Burnout takes these feelings to a new level — to the point where it begins affecting your overall health and well-being. Signs that you’re experiencing caregiver burnout include:
- Physical and emotional exhaustion (the kind that doesn’t go away with sleep)
- A loss of interest in activities or hobbies you usually enjoy
- Changes in your sleep patterns, like sleeping too much or too little
- Withdrawal from family, friends, and others close to you
- Feeling helpless, worthless, or hopeless
- Changes in your appetite, like eating too much or too little
- Feeling frustrated, irritated, and angry toward others
- An inability to concentrate on tasks at hand
People experiencing caregiver burnout can also have trouble processing and handling their thoughts and emotions around their responsibilities. Many are taking care of a spouse, family member, or close friend. It can be difficult to watch as their health changes over time.
Tending to Your Needs as a Caregiver
You spend your days and nights caring for your loved one, which likely leaves little time for yourself. When was the last time you took an afternoon or weekend off? Have you put off important tasks — like errands or even doctor’s appointments? These are all signs you may be burning out and that it’s time for a break.
Below, we’ve outlined practical ways for you to combat burnout and tips on how to make it happen. Your loved one’s doctor’s office can also provide information on local support services for caregivers.
Ask For Help
Asking for help — we know it’s easier said than done, especially as a caregiver. You may feel like you’re the only person you can trust to take care of your loved one. It’s important to remember that help can mean more than direct caregiver tasks.
Sit down and make a list of tasks you feel comfortable delegating to family members or friends. Think of simple things that someone can do in an hour or two but would make a huge difference, like:
- Grocery shopping
- Cleaning the house
- Washing and folding laundry
- Yardwork or gardening
- Visiting your loved one to brighten their day
After making the list, write down who you think would be available to help. Call and ask with a specific task in mind — others are more likely to help if they know exactly what’s expected of them. You’ll feel better having some of the weight lifted off your shoulders.
Take Time for Yourself
You can’t be the best version of a caregiver if you’re burned out. Taking time away from your caregiver duties lets you decompress, process your thoughts and emotions, and get some much-needed rest. When asking for help, see who’s available to spend time with your loved one to free up your schedule.
Use this time to indulge in self-care or what you find enjoyable, like:
- Catching up on sleep
- Getting a haircut or pampering yourself
- Practicing a hobby you’ve put to the side
- Spending time with family and friends
- Taking a short trip
It’s also a good idea to catch up on missed doctor’s and dentist’s appointments. Your health is just as important as your loved one’s!
Take Advantage of Local Resources
Want to take a day or a week away from your caregiver duties? It may seem impossible, but there are likely community resources you haven’t taken advantage of yet. Check your area for adult day care services or respite care. Adult day programs offer ways for your loved one to meet others, take part in fun activities, and still get the medical attention they need.
Respite care programs offer longer-term stays if you need to leave town or take a break. Many are run at nursing homes or long-term care facilities. The staff are trained to take care of your loved one’s needs. You can travel or rest easy knowing they’re in a safe place and will be well-cared for.
