If you read this title and have an adverse visceral reaction, I get it. Please read on before deciding that this is yet another example of toxic positivity. I am not suggesting that, as a caregiver, you have the time, energy, or motivation to embark on an entrepreneurial expedition. Actually, that is exactly what I […]
Launching a Business While Caregiving Read More »
Within our caregiving ecosystem, opportunities to forgive frequently appear. There are likely people who let us down by not showing up. Then, some may have said things that felt insensitive, maybe said or done something hurtful without any idea of the slight. There may even be some folks who were more direct with an insult
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When we feel like we are drowning from caregiving’s constant stressors, the overwhelm can cause us to sink into the depths of despair. Our situation can feel hopeless, and we can feel helpless. We may harbor an expectation that we should be happy, and the shock of immense, uncomfortable, negative emotions can catch us off
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It is helpful to understand the type of caregiver anxiety we are experiencing so that we use the proper techniques to counter the effects. For example, mental anxiety can be aggravated by trying to problem-solve with thoughts. Calming our thoughts is the key to relieving anxiety, which is very challenging when thoughts are swirling, and
3 Types of Caregiver Anxiety Read More »
Holidays and caregiving evoke an uneasiness that comes when we anticipate turbulence and uncertainty. The stormy holiday season is upon us and navigating caregiving during the holiday season to create something special, minus the stressful, is the goal, and that requires strategy! We can continue to prioritize our well-being during the busy season. In fact,
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A sign of caregiver stress is not being able to escape the worries. Worries flow through our caregiver river, creating unexpected waterfalls and intense rapids that sweep us away. Caregiving worries keep us up at night, disrupt our day, and wreak havoc with our well-being. The 12th Sustainable Caregiving Strategy that supports caregiver self-care is
Caregiver Self-Care: How to Release Worries and Stress Less Read More »
Journaling is a way to process the complexities of caregiving, the turbulent emotions, the fear, and the confusion. Processing leads to a better understanding of what is going on behind the scenes. This insight can lead to a brighter outlook. Journaling thoughts and exploring them with curiosity and objectivity can be therapeutic. Our journal becomes
Journaling the Caregiving Journey Read More »
Caring for a family member can be both rewarding and challenging, but it’s essential to recognize when we need help and not hesitate to ask for it. Caregivers face turbulent emotions such as guilt, grief, and feelings of inadequacy. We often find ourselves overwhelmed, trying to manage everything alone, and before we know it, we’re
How to Accept Help as a Caregiver Read More »
Are you an employee who feels unsupported in the workplace as a caregiver? Are you an employer who would like to support the caregivers on your team? You may be wondering why caregiver empowerment is essential. Family caregiving responsibilities can be demanding and time-consuming. Supporting family caregivers in the workplace can positively impact their overall
Family Caregiver Empowerment is Win-Win for Employers Read More »
As the founder of Sustainable Caregiving, I care for family caregivers. My path to this role was rocky. I cared for my father for seven years. He passed at 99 in December 2020. I spent the first few years struggling with the emotional challenges, which also impacted my physical health. I became a shell of
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“By far the best way to prevent a tug-of-war is to not pick up your end of the rope.” Don Lancaster So much of our caregiving experience feels out of control, which is stressful. Caregiving conflicts can be unsettling. We have been plopped back into the nest, and our inner child has emerged to go
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“Compassion is about giving all the love that you’ve got.” Cheryl Strayed, author of the memoir Wild Compassion is the feeling that allows us to show kindness during difficult times. Where compassion is an internal feeling, kindness is an external action that embodies warmth and affection. As Cheryl Strayed said, feeling and showing compassion is
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