You cannot pour from an empty cup

If you are a caregiver, this COVID-19 pandemic may have you feeling like your cup has been turned upside down. Perhaps you are working from home, maybe even teaching and caring for your children at the same time. And it’s all happening under one roof. Where do you find respite?

Sometimes we are so concerned with taking care of the needs of others that we are too busy and distracted to notice the toll it takes on our own lives… our health, even our relationships. If you are not careful, this chronic stress can eventually lead to burnout.

Some signs and symptoms of burnout from caregiving include:

• You feel exhausted, and you do not feel better after sleeping
• You are constantly getting sick (ex. colds)
• You have headaches and other physical complaints
• You don’t have enough time to take care of yourself, nor do you feel like it
• You feel depressed

Professional caregiver support groups suggest you follow some rules for yourself:

• Set boundaries – you have to respect your time and priorities.
• Exercise for an endorphin boost.
• Remember to breathe… tension and anxiety may cause shallow breathing… close your eyes, attempt to quiet your mind and focus on breathing properly.
• Take a break, even if it’s for five minutes. Your mind and body need a rest.
• Step away from your mobile/electronic devices, especially before bedtime.
• Seek support from family and friends.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers terrific on-line information on caregiver burnout during the COVID-19 crisis:
https://www.cdc.gov/women/caregivers-covid-19/index.html

Non-professional caregivers typically get little support, caring is a 24/7 role with no time-out, no week-end, no clocking off at 5pm. You need room for recuperation.

Home Hospice and Home Nursing offer great resources and information to help you on this journey – whether your loved one is navigating through life-limiting illness, or recuperation from injury or hospitalization. Help is one phone call away. Please contact us at (432) 580-9990, or visit us on-line at www.homehospicewtx.com.