As an adult and caregiver, we need to stock up our self-care toolbox. This toolbox can hold helpful tips and strategies that we need facing stress and preventing caregiver burnout.
1) Start with learning self regulation. It is the awareness of one’s emotions and the ability to manage those emotions in a positive way. These skills will help you and also give you skills to help your child. In fact, our children learn self regulation from us. Take one of our free webinars and learn these important skills to empower ourselves and our children.
2) Work on accepting that no one is perfect and we all struggle sometimes. Some of us struggle with mental health issues and other invisible illness. We need to stop being ashamed and learn to speak out. We need our voices to be heard. Most caregivers suffer from mental health issues.
3) Find out what makes you happy. Drawing, baths, reading, art, or hiking? Find out what you enjoy and start doing it whenever you can. These are those self care items that have such a huge impact on us. Remember you cannot pour from an empty cup.
Caring For The Caregiver: 3 Tips To Prevent Caregiver Burnout
Posted by Jenn Eggert
Caring For The Caregiver:
3 Tips To Prevent Caregiver Burnout
As a caregiver, we often get lost in the chaos. How can we care for our special children when we cannot take care of ourselves?
Bonus: Don't forget the little helper in the family...
Many of us also have other children in the family. We need to make sure that they get what they need as well. Some days it is so easy to put them on the back burner.
For our family, we enjoy doing one on one things with Jack and he thrives on it. We also carefully watch his mental health because I know from experience that being a special needs sibling is not easy.
Now if you have any concerns about anyone in your families mental health please seek professional help. You can see your family doctor or call 1-800-273-8255 any day or time for the National Suicide hotline.
Take care of yourself and never forget you have a voice, don't be afraid to use it.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JENN EGGERT
is a 35-year-old mother of two. Jenn's daughter, Ryley was disagonsed with autism at the age of 4. Jenn is also the host of our weekly Facebook Live show, Ask an Autism Mom.