Bell Foundation®
Supporting Mental Health Research
  • ABOUT
    • OUR MISSION
    • OUR TEAM
    • IN THE PRESS
    • FAQ
  • GET INVOLVED
  • SEMINARS
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT
  • DONATE
  • VOLUNTEER
  • ABOUT
    • OUR MISSION
    • OUR TEAM
    • IN THE PRESS
    • FAQ
  • GET INVOLVED
  • SEMINARS
  • BLOG
  • CONTACT
  • DONATE
  • VOLUNTEER
In Mental Health

Practising Self-Care: An Ultimate Guide for Caregivers

practising self care
Share this story

Caregivers need care too.

Practising self-care is crucial for our physical and mental health to keep active strongly as a mental health caregiver. Without adequate self-care, we are less likely to be the best possible version of ourselves, and our relationships, work and experience of the world suffers as a result. Although it might feel like the opposite, the times when we feel least able to pay attention to our self-care are the times when we most need it. If you’re feeling stretched for time, it can be difficult to know how to start fitting self-care into your week. Here’s how you can start looking out for yourself, so you can take care of others.

1. Adequate hydration

You should drink enough water every day. Most people have been told they should drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day. That is a reasonable goal. However, different people need different amounts of water to stay hydrated. For some people, fewer than 8 glasses may be enough. Other people may need more than 8 glasses each day.

2. Eat healthily and mindfully

Too often we eat our meals while multitasking, thus denying ourselves the pure experience of a nourishing meal. Are you checking your mobile phone when having dinner with your loved ones? Treat yourself and your loved ones with respect, and allow yourself to indulge in a meal without any distractions.

3. Emotional Support 

Keeping in touch with other caregivers can help to reduce the emotional stress you have. Talking about your experiences to people who would understand your concerns and challenges can be a great release for pent up emotions.

4. Plenty of sleep

Adults generally need between seven and nine hours of sleep, so make sure you have that so you feel refresh again the next day.

5. Daily Hygiene Routine

Personal hygiene is how you care for your body. Every day, you come into contact with millions of outside germs and viruses. They can linger on your body, and in some cases, they may make you sick. Personal hygiene practices can help you and the people around you prevent illnesses. They can also help you feel good about your appearances.

6. Express Gratitude

Just as it’s beneficial to keep track of what we’ve done, it’s also good to notice what we have. Keep a journal by your bed, and note the things that you feel lucky to have. Everything from clean sheets to a good friend is worth noting.

7. Gift your inner child

What were some of your favourite things when you were little? Did you love sidewalk chalk, picking wildflowers, or eating marshmallows? Treat your inner child to a little present and allow the warm feelings to wash over you.

8. Balance your life

Being a caregiver is an important part of your life, but it’s not the whole story. Finding the balance may be hard, but you need to set the boundaries in ways you can and cannot help. It is important to understand that self-care is not a personal indulgence – by maintaining control of your life, you are helping others.


Share this story

Want our blog delivered directly to your email?

Subscribe
Subscribe to our email list now.
guide series mental health
Previous StoryMyth vs Fact: Can We Prevent Mental Health Problems?
Next StoryRecognising the Emotional Side of Caregivers

Related Articles

  • missing person
    'No one is truly there to help': why so little is known about the reasons people go missing
  • social skills
    How parents can help their young children develop healthy social skills

Leave your comment Cancel Reply

(will not be shared)

Archives

  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • November 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018

Categories

Tags

antidepressant anxiety bipolar disorder borderline personality disorder cancer children clean eaters coronavirus covid-19 depression early sign eating disorders fatigue guide series help series homeless housing inspiring story lockdown loneliness mental health missing person myth vs fact online therapy panic attack personality disorder postnatal poverty research study schizophrenia sleep problems social skills stroke suicide telehealth telehealth care work from home young adults

WHO WE ARE

  • OUR TEAM
  • PRESS
  • CONTACT
  • FAQ

WHAT WE DO

  • OUR MISSION
  • GET INVOLVED
  • DONATE
  • BLOG

FIND US ELSEWHERE

                   

ACCREDITATION

2021 © The Bell Foundation ABN 67 180 805 426 *All donations of $2 and over are tax deductible. •Sitemap •Refund & Privacy Policy •Accessibility

Subscribe to Email Newsletter

You have successfully subscribed to the newsletter

There was an error while trying to send your request. Please try again.

Bell Foundation® will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.