If you're one of those caregivers who think you have to do everything, you're not alone at all. Lots of caregivers labor under that belief. Here's what you can do.
Write Stuff Down
This is an underrated part of your day, but writing things down is really important. First of all, it gets all of those tasks and thoughts out of your head. Second, it helps you to see everything all in one place. You might even find that it's easier to remember things after you've written them down.
Use Alarms and Timers
Time moves quickly, especially when everyone is demanding a piece of your time. Use alarms and timers to help you keep track of what you're doing and what all is going on around you. If you find using alarms and timers frustrating or they make you anxious, don't worry about using them. These are supposed to be tools that help you rather than creating more issues.
Get Realistic about What You Can Do
When you write out a "to do" list for the day with 20 different tasks on it, you probably honestly believe that you can get to every single item if you just manage your time right. The reality is that you can only do what you can do. And other tasks and needs are going to pop up when you least expect them. Get realistic with yourself about what you can handle on any given day and limit your "to do" lists accordingly.
Find Alternatives for Doing Everything Yourself
Although it feels otherwise, you don't have to do everything yourself. You might be lucky enough to have friends and family members who can help out a lot, but that's not the case for every caregiver. You might want to explore hiring home care providers who can lighten the load for you. Even an hour or two of home care assistance a week will help more than you realize.
Give Yourself Some Grace
Some days are better than others. That's just a fact of life. Accept that and give yourself some grace during this time as a caregiver. You're handling everything that you can with the resources that you have. Tomorrow is a new day and you'll do what you can then, too.
The myth that you have to do everything all on your own and get everything accomplished every day is a perfect way to wear yourself out as a caregiver. Take some time to reframe your thinking and determine if there might be a better way for you to tackle what needs to be done.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care services in Juno Beach, FL, contact the caring staff at BrightStar Care of Jupiter. Call today (561) 741-1200.
Write Stuff Down
This is an underrated part of your day, but writing things down is really important. First of all, it gets all of those tasks and thoughts out of your head. Second, it helps you to see everything all in one place. You might even find that it's easier to remember things after you've written them down.
Use Alarms and Timers
Time moves quickly, especially when everyone is demanding a piece of your time. Use alarms and timers to help you keep track of what you're doing and what all is going on around you. If you find using alarms and timers frustrating or they make you anxious, don't worry about using them. These are supposed to be tools that help you rather than creating more issues.
Get Realistic about What You Can Do
When you write out a "to do" list for the day with 20 different tasks on it, you probably honestly believe that you can get to every single item if you just manage your time right. The reality is that you can only do what you can do. And other tasks and needs are going to pop up when you least expect them. Get realistic with yourself about what you can handle on any given day and limit your "to do" lists accordingly.
Find Alternatives for Doing Everything Yourself
Although it feels otherwise, you don't have to do everything yourself. You might be lucky enough to have friends and family members who can help out a lot, but that's not the case for every caregiver. You might want to explore hiring home care providers who can lighten the load for you. Even an hour or two of home care assistance a week will help more than you realize.
Give Yourself Some Grace
Some days are better than others. That's just a fact of life. Accept that and give yourself some grace during this time as a caregiver. You're handling everything that you can with the resources that you have. Tomorrow is a new day and you'll do what you can then, too.
The myth that you have to do everything all on your own and get everything accomplished every day is a perfect way to wear yourself out as a caregiver. Take some time to reframe your thinking and determine if there might be a better way for you to tackle what needs to be done.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care services in Juno Beach, FL, contact the caring staff at BrightStar Care of Jupiter. Call today (561) 741-1200.