Nurture and develop the parts of your identity that make you feel like you.
Who were you before you became a caregiver? Caregiving can be all-consuming, leaving little room for personal goals, interests, and self-expression. Take time to reflect on your values and identify the components of your pre-caregiving identity that brought you fulfillment, passion, and joy.
Embrace the full spectrum of big emotions.
Caregiving is emotional. Offer yourself compassion as you experience powerful, complex, and seemingly conflicting emotions at the same time. Explore tools and outlets for processing these feelings – from journaling, meditating, and simply unplugging to talking with a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional.
Build peer connection with someone who just gets it.
The experience of caring for a loved one can be isolating. It can be helpful to connect with caregiving peers who have similar lived experiences – both in person and virtually. Building peer connection creates a sense of inclusion and the opportunity for someone to reach out and check in on you.
Find time to intentionally nourish yourself.
It often feels like there are not enough hours in the day to care for your loved one and attend to all other daily responsibilities. Intentionally nourishing yourself will enable you to maintain your care and commitment to those around you. Consider building self-care into your everyday routine, such as listening to an audio book or your favorite music while walking the dog or completing household tasks. Give yourself permission to delegate tasks or intentionally do nothing.
