Recently I had an opportunity to attend a caregiver's workshop on self care. The workshop dealt with the importance of caregivers caring for themselves as well as caring for others. I was surprised to learn that caregivers on average spend at least 24 hours a week caring for others. Which is equalvent to a part time job. For many of us this is in addition to our regular job.
Helping others is a wonderful and worthwhile endeavor especially when it is done in a healthy manner. For most caregivers having a healthy-work life balance is a foreign concept and it's a skill that must be learned. Caregivers tend to spend most of their energy attending to the needs of others and forsaking their own needs to the detriment of their own health. If this happens over a long period of time this could have a huge negative impact on their overall health. This is a lesson I learnt the hard way. Learning how to care for oneself is a life long skill and has to be refined as we go through life. We need God's continual help and wisdom to do it properly. Below are some tips that I have compiled and I hope you find them helpful.
Helpful Tips to Giving Yourself Some Extra TLC
Bring your "heart" to Jesus each day
Sharing your hopes, dreams, and concerns. Being honest and authentic so you can recognize and acknowledge your needs. There is so much peace when we release and open up our hearts to Christ and allow Him to take the lead.
Discover your sweet spots
Use journal prompts, a vision board, or other creative endeavors to reflect and discover what matters to you. These activities can assist you in discovering what's important and help you to prioritize what matters the most in this season of your life.
Invest in your spiritual "heart" health
Doing something for your spiritual health each day such as mediating on God's word, being in nature, and listening to music or a podcast that uplifts and inspires you.
Practicing healthy self care techniques
Making sure to get proper rest, nutrition, exercise, and downtime each day. As caregivers we often make sure the people in our lives get the proper care that they need, it's also important to do the same for our own health. Making our health a priority is key to maintaining good healthy habits and building up our self-esteem.
Setting and maintaining boundaries to protect your "heart."
Your heart holds the people and things that you treasure and value the most. Things like your time, talents, and treasures. When you use your yeses and no's to protect your most valuable assets, you can save and use your resources for things that inspire you. Focusing on the things that fuel your soul and that align with your goals and dreams each day helps you to build a life that brings you true joy.
Find trusted people
Share your heart with others in a safe space. It's good to find a community, a small group, or a valuable friend that are able to inspire and uplift you on a regular basis. When you have a safe space to share your emotions you are able to get to the heart of what you need to be the best version of yourself. Being in community with others helps us to recognize that we are not alone and in turn they help us to learn how to extend grace to ourselves in meaningful ways.
Making your heart and home a place of peace.
Having a place that brings you peace is a necessity. A safe place where you feel loved and accepted. Having a home that is warm and inviting allows you to rejuvenate and find solace each day. A place that allows your heart to find inspiration and healing.
Doing things that bring you joy each day.
Setting time aside throughout the day to engage in activities that bring you joy or inspiration. Using these micro moments to cultivate joy and gratitude. Whether it's drinking a cup of tea, talking with a loved one, working on a fun project, attending an online class, or reading a book. Finding joy is paramount is maintaining a sense of well-being over a long period of time.
I hope you feel inspired today to invest in yourself as you do for others.
From the desk of Esther Kamoche Robinson 02.10.25 3:20 EST.
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