Caregivers are a special group of individuals who often pick this career because they’re dedicated to helping people. Despite the long hours, low pay and difficult work/life balance, they tend to stick with families or jobs that they like and where they’re treated well.
That said, being a nanny, babysitter, senior caregiver, pet sitter, etc. is still a job. And as much as you enjoy it, its a career that can be especially draining, physically exhausting and emotionally stressful.
Caregiving is hard work, requiring constant attention to others needs, says career and life management consultant Ruth Schimel, PhD. But unless you care for your own needs as well, you may lose the energy and commitment that brings satisfaction.
So how can you keep your spirits up so you stay fresh? Here are five suggestions:
- Check in With Yourself
Professional coach Jaime Pfeffer recommends that caregivers start by creating a list of the main reasons that they chose to work in the industry. For example, you may have started nannying because you love working with kids. Or you may help seniors because of the way a caregiver helped your own parent.Now, take a picture of your list and look at it anytime you feel frustrated or disconnected with the job, says Pfeffer. This gets you reconnected with your motivations and is essential to reaching your goals.
- Connect With Friends and Family
Sometimes a familiar voice or a shared laugh with a family member or friend can be a boost to your everyday. A short phone call during a lunch break, a quick chat online or a funny YouTube video can lighten your day. The simple act of smiling naturally releases positive energy and can help cheer you up.
- Reach Out to Others
Schimel also suggests connecting with other caregivers who share similar experiences and can relate to your routine. Everyone needs people who understand what their day-to-day is like. Reaching out to local or online groups of caregivers can help you build a support network for when youre frustrated, have questions, or need some inspiration. This helps with strengthening and enjoying relationships, says Schimel, and getting through daily routines.If you need to expand your circle, here are 7 Ways to Meet Other Caregivers.
- Fit in Exercise
When you start getting frustrated and need to blow off some steam, heading out for a jog can clear your head. If you need a mellower cool down, try some gentle stretches or yoga. Or if you only have a few minutes while the baby naps and need to avoid a meltdown, take a quick break and put on some music to just dance it out.And try these 7 Tips for Staying Calm.
- Get Some Rest
Everyone knows sleep is important, and you want to try to keep a consistent nighttime schedule. But if youre running low on energy, dont forget the power nap. Twenty minutes of rest can make a world of difference, both for you and your job.Working 40-50 hour weeks is taxing, says career coach and wellness advisor Karen Elizaga, and since your job requires patience and attention, you always want to be at your best. You cant do that if youre not rested.
When you start to feel like youre stuck in a rut, stop and take a breather to reflect on your work and refresh your energy. Dont forget to skip out on your personal time. We all need a real day off. And reach out to friends, family and other caregivers. Even just a quick connection can bring a little light to your day.
Tiffany Smith is the director of content and publicity at William Woods University. She has written for All You, Time for Kids and the Boston Globe. And, as a former babysitter, she knows a lot about fun games to play with kids. Getting them to eat their veggies — that’s a different story! Follow her on Twitter at @tiffanyiswrite.
