Caregiver Burnout is a huge problem that few people talk about.
Don’t Wait!
Avoid Caregiver Burnout!
Seek Professional Help!
Self-Care Is the New Health Care
Why would you seek professional help before doing anything else after learning you will be in a caregiver role?
For so many reasons, primarily because there are so many unknowns. Professionals can tell you what the issues are likely to be and what resources are available to help you and your loved one (LO) meet all the challenges you will be facing.
There are a myriad of ideas and resource links that we didn’t know anything about for the first many months of my husband’s cancer journey and my new role as a caregiver! I could have saved myself a lot of grief, confusion, and time if I had sought professional help from the beginning. That’s why I’m sharing this with you as the Top Priority tip.
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Recognize signs of burnout (for example, fatigue, irritability, and illness). When I start getting unusually irritable, that’s my first clue that I need a break, because I’m experiencing caregiver burnout. What’s yours?
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Reach out to therapists, counselors, or respite care services early. You can research where to find various kinds of professionals. However, some of the best guidance and advice we received was from the nursing and palliative care staff while my husband was still hospitalized.
- There are many medical resource links that can be helpful also. Here are some examples:
Engaging in Stress-Relieving Activities Is Critical to Preventing Caregiver Burnout
Stress-relieving activities should include setting emotional boundaries, taking regular breaks, and establishing a support network. This is information I wish I had known at the beginning of this journey. Let the people around you know what’s going on, and when they offer help, ACCEPT IT. Trust me, you will need it. Grant them the gift of doing something for someone else.
Out of curiosity. I asked ChatGPT what are the benefits of performing acts of kindness for others. Here are its answers.
Doing something nice for another person—also known as an act of kindness—offers a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits.
Physical Benefits
- Reduced Stress
- Stronger Immune System.
- Increased Energy
- Pain Reduction
Mental Benefits
- Improved Cognitive Function
- Decreased Depression and Anxiety
- Increased Sense of Purpose
Emotional Benefits
- Enhanced Mood
- Greater Empathy and Connection
- Boosted Self-Esteem
- Emotional Resilience
Summary Table
Benefit Type Specific Effects Physical Lower blood pressure, improved immunity, and pain relief Mental Reduced anxiety/depression, sharper focus, increased purpose Emotional Elevated mood, stronger relationships, higher self-esteem
Even small acts—like holding a door open, writing a thank-you note, or complimenting someone—can produce these benefits. Regular kindness becomes a reinforcing cycle: the better you feel, the more likely you are to keep doing it.
OK, enough ChatGPT. Back to my thoughts on caregiver burnout.
Setting Emotional Boundaries Can Help Prevent Caregiver Burnout
- Distance yourself emotionally during high-tension moments. First choice: STEP AWAY – Take a few minutes to clear your mind and emotions. Breathe.
- Our affiliate Life Coach is Nancy Wyatt. Click here to learn more about some of her services that helped us stress less. She can also teach you several techniques.
- Practice saying “no” when requests stretch you too thin. Learn the difference between enabling and helping. Furthermore, recognize that you and your time are equally as valuable as anyone else’s. You must make yourself an equal priority consistently to ensure your mental and physical well-being.
Prioritize Regular Breaks to Prevent Caregiver Burnout
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- Make time daily for calming activities (e.g., meditation, journaling, music).
- Aim for at least 5–15 minutes of joy or peace every day (watching videos of cute fluffy animals or adorable little children learning to explore their world).
- Take short breaks daily (a walk, even 10 minutes, works wonders).
- Schedule larger time blocks weekly to step away completely. Attend concerts, get your nails done, go to a movie, or go to the beach. Reconnect with other friends and loved ones. That could be coffee with friends or date night with your loved one. The objective here is to take a moment and “escape” to recharge your internal battery.
To Aid With or Prevent Caregiver Burnout, Build a Support Network
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- Join a caregiver support group (online or in person).
- There are many people who have now found themselves caregivers for their loved ones. Here are some seasoned people whom I have found to be a great resource.
- Ty Lewis, daughter of Gertrude Jordan: Click here for the website. Click here for Instagram reels.
- CreativeConnectionsDementia
- Identify 2-3 trusted people who can occasionally relieve you. “Trusted” refers to people who will keep confidences, who will show up on time, and who have the best interests of the caregiver and loved one at heart.
I’ve been so fortunate to have friends who have stepped up and stepped in to help whenever the need arises. Some brought food, some just came to sit with me and listen as I expressed the rollercoaster of emotions that come with being a caregiver.
Maintain Your Mental and Physical Health to Avoid Caregiver Burnout
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- Get 7–9 hours of sleep per night. (Note: I realize this may sound impossible. However, one thing that helped my husband and me is listening to Sleep Like A Baby when we go to bed. There are also many videos on YouTube to help people sleep. Some use Solfeggio Frequencies. Others are “New Age” music. Both work well.
- Eat nutritious meals and stay hydrated.
- Flourishing Beyond Cancer, LLC was born out of the desire for me to prepare healthier meals that also taste good.
- Most recipes I researched did not offer enough variety of flavors and seasoning options, so I am working on modifying existing recipes to not only feed the family but keep smiles on their faces.
- In the process, I am learning about proper food combining and which kinds of foods are most beneficial to people with compromised immune systems. Some commonly consumed foods in the American diet are surprisingly quite harmful to human health.
- Because my husband also loves to cook, we’ll share some of our discoveries in recipes on this page. Come back soon to see what we’re cooking!
- Keep up with your own medical and mental health appointments. Mental health also includes getting regular exercise. Whether joining a gym or having an accountability partner, the point is to do it regularly. Here’s just one example from WebMD about how exercise is beneficial.
- I cannot stress this enough – take care of yourself. You are an equal priority.
Taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your loved one.
Patients AND Caregivers Need BEAUTY in Their Lives!
In addition to my being a full-time caregiver for three people, I own a tablescaping business and also create decor for special occasions. To learn more, click here.
How to Contact Shannon
SignatureDesignsBySAS@gmail.com
Elegant Table Settings to Make Any Occasion Special!
