Self care - a must

As a caring relative, you do a valuable and demanding job every day. You dedicate yourself to your loved ones, take care of their needs and stand by them in difficult times. With all the demands of everyday caregiving, it can be easy to lose sight of your own needs. In this article, I would like to focus on the topic of self-care and show you why it is essential for you as a caring relative not to neglect yourself. 

The importance of self-care for your own health and well-being 

Self-care is not a selfish act, but an act of self-love and self-protection. By taking care of your own wellbeing, you ensure that you have the strength and energy to continue being there for your loved ones. Your own health is the foundation for effective and sustainable care. If you neglect and exhaust yourself, you may jeopardise your own health in the long term and may no longer provide the support your loved one needs.

Self-care helps you achieve physical, emotional and mental balance. It enables you to reduce stress, build resilience and improve your quality of life. By taking time for yourself on a regular basis, you can meet your own needs, recharge your batteries and better cope with the stresses of everyday caregiving.

Why an orderly daily structure and effective time management are important 

As a family caregiver, you often face numerous challenges that affect your daily life and time. If you want to meet your self-care needs and not just leave opportunities for regeneration to chance, then you will need an appropriate structure. Because you will also need some of your precious time for this. Without an orderly daily structure and effective time management, it can be difficult to manage all the tasks and responsibilities. Here are some challenges you may face:

1. lack of time: caring for a loved one requires time and attention around the clock. Without a clear structure, it can be difficult to find enough time for yourself.

2. overload: the combination of caring responsibilities, household management and possibly employment can lead to overload. Without effective time management, exhaustion and stress can result.

3. unpredictability: care needs can change at any time, which can lead to unpredictability in the daily routine. Without some structure, it can be difficult to adapt and prioritise. It's easy to lose track of what's going on and get caught up in the rotation.

An orderly daily structure and effective time management offer a number of benefits that support your self-care:

1. efficiency: a clear structure and time planning allow you to complete your tasks more efficiently and create time for yourself. You can set priorities and focus better on what is important.

2. balance: An orderly daily structure helps you find a balance between caregiving tasks, personal needs and leisure activities. You can schedule time for relaxation, hobbies and social contacts.

3. stress reduction: effective time planning reduces stress as you are better able to cope with the demands of everyday caregiving. You can schedule breaks and recovery time to promote your own health.

Tips for creating an orderly daily structure and effective time management 

Here are some practical tips to incorporate an orderly daily structure and effective time management into your daily life as a family caregiver:

1. create a weekly and/or daily schedule: Plan your activities in advance and prioritise them. Take into account both caregiving tasks and your personal needs.

2. delegate tasks: Don't be afraid to enlist support from other family members, friends or professional service providers. Share caregiving responsibilities to create relief.

3. Create fixed routines: Routines not only give you structure and security, but are also an essential factor for the subjective feeling of safety and security for the person in need of care.

Even if you have structured your tasks and daily routine well, stress will continue to play a significant role in your daily life. In order to offer their body and mind the necessary relief, targeted relaxation techniques can be very helpful. 

Relaxation techniques to promote self-care 

Relaxation techniques are valuable tools to reduce stress, regenerate body and mind and improve overall well-being. As a family caregiver, it can be particularly challenging to find time for relaxation. Nevertheless, it is important to consciously take time out to recharge your own batteries. Relaxation techniques offer you the opportunity to calm down, soothe your mind and recharge your batteries.

In the following, I would like to introduce you to 2 well-known relaxation techniques that require some practice at first, but can be easily integrated into your daily routine after a short time, and with relatively little time expenditure:

1. progressive muscle relaxation: this technique involves consciously tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in the body. Through systematic muscle relaxation, physical tensions are released and a state of deep relaxation is achieved. This can help to reduce stress and alleviate physical complaints.

2. autogenic training: Autogenic training is a method of self-hypnosis in which a state of deep relaxation is achieved through imagination and concentration. It is based on the idea that the mind can influence the body. With the help of positive suggestions, physical and mental relaxation as well as inner peace can be promoted.

**(Affiliate Link: Autogenic Training - the self-learning programme) **

To relieve everyday stress and find new strength, sport and physical activity can also be very helpful. Physical activity is not only good for physical health, but also has positive effects on mental health. Regular exercise can reduce stress, improve mood and increase overall well-being. Choose an activity that you enjoy, whether it is walking, cycling, dancing or another form of exercise such as yoga.

The importance of strengthening social contacts 

As a carer, it can be easy to feel isolated and overwhelmed. At such times, social support is crucial. Strengthening social contacts provide you with emotional support, help you to relieve stress and allow you to share experiences with people who are coping with similar challenges.

 

Support through support groups and sharing with others.

Joining a support group (self-help group) for carers can offer you valuable support. In such groups you will meet people who have similar experiences and understand what you are going through. Sharing stories, challenges and proven strategies can not only be emotionally relieving, but also offer new perspectives and approaches to solutions. Support groups provide a safe space to share your concerns and feel understood.

In addition, you can also seek exchange with other carers in online forums, social networks or local events. Connecting with people who have similar experiences can make you feel part of a community and remind you that you are not alone.

**(Link to pflegetrick FB group) ** 

Importance of family members, friends and professional help.

In addition to support groups, it is important to count on your family members, friends and social network. Share your challenges and needs with them and ask for support, whether in the form of practical help, emotional support or just a short time out for yourself. Open dialogue with your loved ones can help them better understand your needs and accommodate you.

In addition, professional help can also play an important role. Find out about local resources, care services or outpatient care services that can offer you support. Professional helpers can help you share caregiving tasks and give you valuable time for your own self-care. Find the right level of caring responsibility for yourself that does not exceed your personal limits.

Finally, recognise that you are not alone in this challenging role. Accept support and build strong social contacts that will help you to promote self-care and strengthen your well-being.

Conclusion

Self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity for carers. By taking care of yourself, you give your loved one a healthier, happier and stronger person who can continue to be there for them. An orderly daily structure, effective time management, relaxation techniques and empowering social contacts help to relieve stress, recharge energy and find your own balance. By prioritising yourself and taking care of your own needs, you become a better support for your loved ones.

Put yourself first and take time for yourself. You deserve it.