Quick Tips: Self-care for the Caregiver

Do you worry about others and have very little time for yourself? You’re not alone.  This is a pattern with which many struggle, especially caregivers.

Below I’ve included three self-care tips that focus on self-growth and establishing healthy boundaries.

1. Plan Activities for Yourself:  Just like you would do for your kids and for your family, plan a fun activity for yourself. Go to an improv show, find a new workout class, walk through the park, take a long bath, have a phone-date with a friend, read a book at the library or coffee shop. And it doesn’t have to be for very long. Just make sure to include yourself in your calendar. It’s easy for caregivers to forget about themselves as they care for others.

2. Invest Time and Money in Yourself: You are a valuable asset to your loved ones. For something to retain its value, it needs to remain useful. For a human, in order to adapt to change, you need to work on yourself. You may find such things as therapy, acupuncture, support group, meditation, mindfulness, blogging, yoga, journaling, and reading helpful when learning how to accept change and personal growth. Though these things cost money and time, you should know that you are worth the investment.

3. Learn to Accept and Ask for Help:  What’s often forgotten is that you too sometimes need help. Although you may be seen as “the rock” for most, you too have needs and it’s important that you accept and ask for help. It will be uncomfortable for you to be in this position but this step is necessary in order to keep the caregiver from burning out or experiencing compassion fatigue. You are not a superhero and for that reason, asking for help is normal and essential if you’d like to stop feeling overwhelmed. You shouldn’t feel like you are alone.

I hope you find these three tips useful. If you’d like any additional information, I’d be happy to help.

Written by Kasia Ciszewski, LPC on

Kasia is a licensed counselor servicing the Charleston & Mount Pleasant area. She helps individuals heal, better understand their emotions, energize & become more aware of their inner strength. She specializes in helping teens, adults, and seniors and has been able to regularly achieve impressive results for her clients throughout South Carolina. Instagram - Facebook - Twitter - Linkedin

Leave a Comment