Caregivers in Williamston MI
Self-care can mean a great many different things as a family caregiver, but when you're overwhelmed, the best self-care techniques mean that you're able to dial down those feelings until you can focus on what is in front of you.
List Your Priorities and Decide What Can Wait
One way in which caregivers may ignore self-care is that they keep trying to get everything done. Instead, list out what you feel must be done and look at the list objectively. Put a star by everything that really, truly does have to be done. It's a guarantee that some of the items on your list can actually wait. Be honest with yourself about which items can truly wait.
Make Sure What You Want to Accomplish Is Realistic
Once you have your starred list of items that must be done, be realistic about what you can actually accomplish. Ask for help with as much as you can. Allow other family members and home care providers to pick up some of those tasks for you. Some items may still have to be completed by you, but at least you'll know that you've asked for some help.
Tackle One Thing at a Time
Avoid multitasking. If you're already overwhelmed, multitasking is not going to help that feeling. Allow yourself to focus on one task at a time until you've worked your way through your list. You'll be amazed how this one technique can help you to get far more accomplished than you think you can.
Accept Your Own Limitations
Everyone has their own limitations, but accepting and understanding your own limits can help you to learn when to ask for more help. If you're not good with running errands, find a friend or family member who is willing and able to run errands for you. This can also help you to sort your priority list, since the items that fall outside your limitations can easily be delegated.
Take Time for Yourself
Taking time for yourself is essential for a solid plan of self-care when you're feeling overwhelmed. This gives you the opportunity to step back and take a mental breath. You should set up regular time for yourself in order to help avoid overwhelm. Enlist the help of elderly care providers and other family members to cover your time away.
Allow yourself to ask for help when you need it can help you to keep overwhelm at bay.
If you or an aging loved one are considering caregivers in Williamston, MI, please contact the caring staff at Seniors Helping Seniors of Lansing. Call today: 517-332-9953.