It is not always easy to give yourself the pat on the back that you rightly earned. Sometimes it can feel downright selfish to do that. But as a caregiver, you’re probably going to be the one handing out the back pats, so you need to get comfy with the idea.
This Will Lower Your Stress Levels
You’re going to notice that your stress levels go down when you start implementing this plan. The reason for that is because instead of worrying about what you’re not doing or focusing on the mistakes you make, you’re seeing increasing proof that you’re doing great. That’s incredibly important for you as a caregiver.
It Isn’t Easy to Do
One caveat, though. This is not a simple process. It is harder than you think to find the big and small wins every day. At first. When you get more adept at doing this on a regular basis, though, you’re going to wonder why you never did this before.
Write it All Down
Your biggest requirement should be that you write every single accomplishment down. Don’t give in to that urge that tells you that you can write it down later, because you’ll remember later. You won’t remember and your list will suffer from not having that win on it. Keep a small notebook handy and write down everything that even remotely qualifies as a win. If you would whoop and holler for your friend if she accomplished a specific task or win, then write it down for yourself, too.
Go Back and Read Over What You’ve Done
Your second biggest requirement with this project is that you have to go back and read through your notes often. The part that actually works in this process is you reinforcing the wins you’ve achieved. You have to keep seeing them and keep adding to them. That develops a specific power over time and helps you to realize how awesome you are.
Self-talk Is the Big Problem
If you find that you’re still stalled on this, your self-talk is probably the problem. Negative self-talk, like calling yourself names or running yourself down, is going to keep you believing that you don’t ever accomplish anything. Negative self-talk is a liar. Start noticing when you’re talking badly about yourself and flip it around to the positive version. Keep doing it.
Until you start believing that what you’re doing and accomplishing as a caregiver matters, you won’t treat yourself as well as you should. Keeping track of your accomplishments will help you to clear that hurdle.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING CAREGIVERS IN ROLESVILLE, NC, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT SENIORS HELPING SENIORS TODAY. CALL (919) 761-5346.