Caring for other people is a beautiful privilege and a rewarding experience. It can also be very emotional and exhausting, so it is important to practice self care while in this role. Whether you are looking after children, elderly parents or those with an illness or disability, creating a good balance and finding adequate support is crucial to ensure your wellbeing.
Often carers and caregivers are performing this role over a long period of time, so it is very important to consider how you will be able to make it sustainable and avoid burn out. The emotional aspect of care-giving call also be challenging with feelings of grief, guilt, anger and frustration that can be overwhelming.
In this blog, I am sharing some practical support for carers and caregivers.
Flower Essences
Alpine Mint Bush is the flower essence for the carer. It is also a great essence for people who work in professions such as nursing, teaching and childcare. This essence is indicated for people suffering mental and emotional exhaustion and will help promote a sense of joy and renewal. It can be found in the Rocket Fuel blend or contact me to try this essence on its own or in a personalised blend, made just for you.
Rocket Fuel flower essence blend can assist you to keep on going while juggling all the balls in the air. This formulation was originally put together to support myself during the years of having young children at home and spending such a large proportion of my day caring for others. It assisted me with not getting run down and feeling burnt out.
Mother Being flower essence is a blend that assists when you feel like you aren’t equipped to be the best carer for your child. This essence encourages one to grow into their own skin and develop their own inner knowing about mothering.
Connection is a new flower essence blend I have created that helps with family relationships in the aspects of communicating and understanding but also commitment to these important relationships.
Homeopathy
Sepia is the homeopathic remedy for the tired and worn out carer. At times these people can feel like they have reached their limit, they crave time alone and can even feel like they can walk out the door with indifference.
Cocculus is a remedy that can be considered during times of sleep deprivation and when one is feeling sad, depressed or over sensitive to comments made by others.
A popular homeopathic blend called Boost Complex has been formulated to assist with fatigue, recovery after illness, support during stressful times and that feeling of not having your usual ‘bounce’.
Other Ideas
Those in the role of carer or caregiver must be careful to avoid depletion, so a good plan for self care is crucial to ensure they can continue.
Filling your own bucket is important, so schedule in periods of time to do things that bring you joy.
Asking for help and getting support from others is vital! You may need to look into what options are available to you to ensure you get regular breaks – that might look like family assistance, respite care or child care.
Phone a friend for a good natter or a laugh. Share the journey of caring with someone else going through the same thing.
Look into what government support you are eligible for. Carer’s Gateway is a great place to start.
Meditation and mindfulness are a great way to counteract stress and can be done in small pockets of time throughout the day.
Gratitude is a powerful tool that can keep you in a positive mindset when things get difficult. Download your free gratitude journal pages here.
I hope these ideas for support for carers and caregivers has given you some inspiration. Remember that you are doing a wonderful thing in caring for others, but don’t forget to include yourself and practice self care!