U - Unplug - ABCs of Self-Care for Caregivers

Those who humbly serve will see and rejoice! All you seekers-after-God will revive your souls! Psalm 69:32 VoiceThere is no exhaustion quite like the one you may feel as a caregiver. It feels like it will never end and you don’t know how you keep going – yet, you do. Technology has provided us a way to connect and keep people informed of prayer needs. There is a great deal of support from friends who can reach out to us with encouragement. On the other hand, there is a great danger of becoming addicted to Social Media. One of the greatest respites you can find is to completely unplug from technology for 24 hours.Social Media AddictionHere are some questions to ask yourself to see if you are addicted to social media. They are followed by alternative Hope Antidote that serves as an active form of self nurture.1. Do you check Social Media accounts first before doing anything else every morning?Hope Antidote: Stretch physically in bed before getting up. Pray and ask the Lord for strength and wisdom during the day. Jot down notes recording your dreams or first impressions of the day.2. Is reaching for Social Media your main recreation or distraction throughout the day/evening?Hope Antidote: Make a list of physical actions you can take that will get you moving and involved with people. Act on at least one of them every day.3. Do you choose online time instead of actual face time with family and immediate friends?Hope Antidote: Placing your phone in a basket and passing the basket around. Put phones on airplane mode and put them in the middle of the table. 4. Do you feel anxious when you think about not checking your social media outlets for 24 hours?Hope Antidote: Turn off the notifications. Schedule specific times to check your accounts. Find someone to help you remain accountable.PrayerThank You, Lord, for giving me a heart of immediate responsive obedience. I want that so much. Forgive me for letting the distractions of Social Media dull me to the nudges of Your Holy Spirit to reach out to someone in need or share an encouraging word. Thank You for energizing me from deep within. It is such a comfort to know that You give me the desire and the ability to complete all that will bring You pleasure.In Jesus’ name. Amen.Send a textFor more hope inspiration you can follow her posts on:https://www.instagram.com/the.hope.ladyhttps://www.facebook.com/hopeispowerfulRate and review this podcast to spread the hope to others who need to be reminded they can go from rock-bottom to the mountain top one step at a time.