Hey caregiver, do you ever feel like this?
“As a caregiver, I feel like I’m constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop…. I can’t relax even when things are going well.”
First things first, it’s not just you.
We recently ran a poll here on IG, and of over 200 respondents, 78% said they feel that way all the time, and another 20% said they have those feelings sometimes.
And, all of those feelings are valid, because for many of us, we have had to deal with one thing after another again and again. We’ve been conditioned to always prepare for the worst.
BUT we still have to function every day… so here’s how other caregivers from this community on the best ways to cope:
Have a snack.
I know it sounds silly, but really, when was the last time you ate? Low blood sugar is not helping those feelings of doom and gloom. Plus, having a special treat that boost your mood can help at least in the short term.
Take a brain escape.
Pull out a book (preferably one that doesn’t require too much brain power), turn on netflix, or just scroll through some funny memes. Sometimes when we’re spiraling about the what-ifs, giving your brain something easy to focus on can make a difference.
Go for a walk. Or a run. Or a swim.
Honestly, it doesn’t matter what it is, but if you have time and space for it, moving your body can be so helpful when it comes to pulling your brain out of a spiral. Anything to give your brain a chance to think about something else.
Practice gratitude out loud.
Listen, we’re not talking about toxic positivity, and turning negatives into positives or anything like that. But, is there anything that’s going well? Even if you’re not sure it will last, take a little moment to relish and celebrate it. You deserve that.
Recognize the moment for what it is.
The inability to relax and accept when things are going well is a trauma response. Something difficult MIGHT be around the corner… or it might not. But either way, stressing about it ahead of time isn’t helping, it’s just a neurological response based on our history. Recognzing that in the moment can help us to be more present.
Go to therapy (or practice therapy techniques.)
I know we say it all the time, but having a professional by your side to work through these difficult feelings can be really helpful. Even if you can’t speak to a therapist, practicing mindfulness and breathing techniques can help reset your nervous system too.
At the end of the day, caregivers found focusing on what they can control to be the most helpful.
BUT give yourself grace for those moments when you can‘t.
It’s tough enough out there. We don’t need to add to our internal guilt too. We’re here to support how caregivers cope with their mental health and anxiety in any way that’s healthy <3
