Caregiver Burnout Series: Don’t Fall Into The Self-Care Trap
What does it mean to not fall into the self-care trap? Shouldn’t I be doing lots of self-care? How can it be a trap?
Sade Dozen at Caring Across Generations, a nonprofit group aimed at creating policy changes to support caregivers, clarifies the trap of creating self-care conditions on our own. She calls this a false narrative, and I agree with this position.
“Self-care” is something that we will each define according to our needs and timing. Self-care is broad and can encompass the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of our lives. One day it might mean we need a lawyer. Another day we need a walk or more water. It’s a matter of tapping into your inner wisdom and creating various plans that work for you.
However, this also means we need social policies that support the plans we create. For example, our best-laid strategies become a burden if we don’t have adequate family leave policies or affordable respite services available.
Creating a self-care list that allows for flexibility is one way to stay out of the trap. When we can adjust our options and timing, we find empowerment in caregiving. If you need help creating a list of ways to work around obstacles, connect with me through my Contact page.
PS. This is the sixth article in an 8-week, 8-post series.
Next up: Join the fight for policy change (coming Monday, 30 August)
Previously:
Caregiving can be a challenging time.
Grab my “Getting Your Docs In A Row” checklist to help you prepare to care.