“I'm On Edge Of Quitting Caregiving”
Everybody has a bad day. What are signs that you need an immediate break from caregiving?
I’m J Smiles, comedian, Alzheimer’s and Dementia activist, and family caregiver. You may know me from Parenting Up™, where we’re a family of caregivers taking care of our family members together. Welcome to P.U.B. the Parenting Up Blog.
Listen, we all have a bad day. It's not ideal and it's nothing that we just plan for. But, hey, sometimes things happen. Being a caregiver is stressful and takes a toll on our life. That's why it is imperative to take care of yourself too! I understand that sometimes "self" can be the last person on your mind. Yep, you have so much going on with your LO, that you don't have the time to take a beat (stop).
Think about it like this: if I don't take care of myself, then my LO is toast. Kidding, not really though. Not only is your L.O. depending on you, but YOU are depending on you. When you start to feel like you are about to implode or explode, take a beat (breathe) instantly! Once you get to that point, irritated at every little thing, heart racing a bit -- it is already critical.
It is urgent to recognize the signs that you are not caring for yourself before it's too late.
1. Are you snapping at your L.O.?
2. Are you unable to sleep soundly?
3. Are you "over" snacking on salty or sweet foods?
4. Do you avoid going out with others even when your schedule permits?
5. Do you dose driving short distances or sitting less than 30 minutes?
We all wake up on the wrong side of the bed sometimes. When that happens, it's okay. Pause. Retreat to a place where you feel safe. A place where you will feel loved and not judged. A place where you can heal and get the rest that you require. When your energy is off, it can be felt by your L.O. You want your L.O. to feel as little negative energy as possible.
You're human. Don't be too hard on yourself. You are making a sacrifice that many do not, caring someone who can't care for themselves. You got this! For no matter what side of the bed you wake up on, the do-over is in the waking.
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🎧Full audio podcast episode for this blog post: I'm on the edge of quitting Caregiving!
