How to take care of yourself when you're a carer
Self-care is something we all should be doing. It makes us better at handling all of life’s stresses. But when you’re caring for someone else, taking some time out is even more important. As you may well know yourself, around two-thirds of unpaid carers spend over 50 hours a week looking after a loved one. And when you’re spending so much time thinking about someone else’s needs, it can be really easy to forget about your own. That’s why we’ve partnered with Carers trust, a charity that gives carers much-needed advice and guidance, as well as supporting those that need some time off. They’ve helped us put together these tips on how you can add more moments of self care to your day - even when it feels impossible to find the time.
So, what is self-care?
Self care is what it says on the tin: doing things that’ll help your wellbeing. These can be physical things, like taking a long shower or doing something you really enjoy. They can also be mental or emotional things. Like reminding yourself daily that you’re doing great. Everyone’s self-care looks different - it’s all about finding what makes you happy. The most-important thing to remember is that self-care is not selfish! Because if you don’t look after yourself, you won’t be able to share your best parts with anyone else.
How regular self care can improve your health
Now that we’ve covered what self care is, let’s talk about how it can make you feel good. And these aren’t just short-term benefits either - the positive effects just get better as time goes on.
It lowers stress levels & anxiety
We’re not saying that your stress will completely disappear after doing a bit of self care. But it can help put your mind at ease. Even if only for a few minutes. Think of it as a (very brief) mental and emotional holiday.
It improves your immune system
Have you ever gotten sick after a particularly stressful period? It’s not a coincidence. Our bodies are only able to deal with high levels of stress in small amounts (like in an emergency situation). But being constantly stressed out can actually weaken your immune system. That’s why it’s so important to take breaks - or your body will force you to.
It makes you more productive in the long run
When you’re burned out, you feel more demotivated, making it even harder to complete your usual tasks. But regular self care can help to re-energise and refresh you. It also makes your concentration better. Because when you’re tired, it’s easy to forget the important things.
5 ways to add moments of self care into your day
Making time for self care can be tricky, especially when you’re looking after someone else. But hopefully, with these tips, you’ll see that there are ways you can squeeze it into your daily routine. Even on your busiest days.
1. Schedule self care like you’d plan time with friends
While it’s important to socialise, you should also treat yourself with the same kindness you’d show your friends. So whenever you do have some spare time, make sure you block out a portion of it to do something you really enjoy. It could be a bath with a book on Friday nights. Or journaling. Whatever it is - make it a regular thing - it gets easier the more you do it.
2. Make your bedroom a screen-free zone
Busy brain keeping you up at night? One way to fix that is by replacing your usual morning/before bed scrolling with something else. Maybe start your day with a short walk? Or unwind before you go to sleep with a good stretch. This’ll help you cut down your screen time in general too.
3. Skip any event that might stretch you too thin
Self care is also saying no when you’re not feeling up for something. Because as much as you may hate missing out, it’s even more important that you get a good amount of rest. Especially when time is so precious.
4. Soundtrack tasks with a good playlist
We all have those songs that can put a smile on our faces. So why not perk up those tasks that don’t give you energy with some of your favourite music? Singing has been proven to relieve stress while lifting your spirits. It’s a really easy way to get an instant mood boost.
5. Ask for help
There’s no shame in asking for a bit of help when you need it. By offering wellbeing workshops, sending self-care packages and setting up care visits (amongst other things), Carers Trust and their partners have helped hundreds of carers take some time out for themselves.