Building your foundation as a caregiver

Send Cathy a text:)Only when you first help yourselves can you effectively help others. Caring for yourself is one of the most important—and one of the most often forgotten—things you can do as a caregiver. When your needs are taken care of, the person you care for will benefit.How do you do this?  You have to create the foundation to succeed  Creating a foundation to be that effective caregiver.    What is foundation / framework?What about your health and vitality?You can’t rely on your own personal disciplineWhat would the ideal environment be to ensure you are effective today?  If your productivity or motivation is not there?Think about what infrastructures are you lacking?   What things can I put in place that helps me be a better version of myself and a better caregiver?  The second is your strategy or asset to your caregiving:  Y_O _U    Yes,  taking care of yourself.  I know, it doesn’t sound right, it’s doesn’t feel right and it may not be what you want to do.  But you can’t be an effective caregiver if you don’t put yourself first.  What is your Ideal Vitality - Well-being - Self-care look like?  I want you to think deeper than the surface here.  Find your Doctor How are you caring for yourself?  You shouldn’t  wait to go to the doctor when you are sick or mentally struggling.  You need to be proactive.  You need Someone who is guiding you in your health now that you are in a season that is challenging and tasking on yourselfYou need a medical doctor who is aware of your situation and is supporting and guiding you through this time and keep your physical well-being in mind.  You also need to think about your mental wellness in this caregiving season.  What resources should I be utilizing?  Therapist - licensed professionalCoachConsultantSupport Group As Caregivers, we usually put ourselves on hold.  You need someone that will tell you if you are healthy or sickIf you need to adjust your vitamins or meds based on your labsYou need someone to review your health habits and encourage you to make adjustmentsSomeone that can help you build a caregiver strategy that is sustainable.  If you don’t start thinking of this now, what happensStress, Burn out, FatigueHealth issues like high blood pressure, weight gain, depressionLoneliness, Isolation, Anger, Resentment, WorryYou feel guilty that you have health issues So, friend, reach out and ask for your support during this time.   I hope this prompts you to look at the last time you had your physical, diagnostics and labs.  If it’s been too long, schedule the time now.  Explore therapy - some of your employers offer some free visits.  Look into local support groups and most are online now.  Join The Caregiver Cup community on facebook.    You can’t take on everything.  You have to take care of yourself to be that effective caregiver.  It’s important to love yourself and make a personal commitment to yourself.  You are the infrastructure of your loved one’s care  You can’t fill from an empty cupSupport the show