The initial reaction of every involved caregiver, is to
\nstretch one’s own mental and physical abilities, to
\nbreaking point.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
There is a hidden irony in this. The primary aim of
\nany caregiver-patient team, would be to maximize
\nwell being and longevity of the patient. If you are
\nexpecting to succeed in this endeavor, it
\nautomatically implies a long span as a caregiver. No
\nperson can go for very long periods of time, by
\nneglecting their own welfare. The irony lies in
\nchoosing short-term exhaustion over long-term goals.<\/p>\n
Pace yourself out. Chronic disease is a long haul.
\nFeeling guilty about caring about yourself, or being
\nemotionally wrought, will only weaken your own
\nphysical status.<\/p>\n
Ensure that you are eating quality, nutritious food, at
\nregular times. Without fuel, you cannot possibly stand
\nup to all the extra work. Do not confuse the patient’s
\ndiet restrictions, with what would be good for you.
\nMany caregivers try and switch over to the patient’s
\ndiet, because of feeling bad or guilty, that the patient
\nhas certain restrictions. This may be harmful to your
\nwell being. Besides, if you have clarified the roles, you
\nwill understand that your abstinence is not helping
\nthe patient. It is only making both of you feel sorry
\nabout giving up something you may have enjoyed
\nbefore.<\/p>\n
Try and work some exercise into your schedule.
\nPhysical activity is a good way to burn stress and rest
\nthe “worry muscles” as well. It also improves stamina.<\/p>\n
Fortify your mind. Seek assistance in faith, religion,
\nspirituality, family or community. The stronger you
\nbecome, the more support you can lend to your loved
\none. Tough times are a frequent part of chronic
\nillness. The patient is physically sapped and may often
\nlose will and hope. You have to be well prepared for
\nsuch occasions. Only if you are inherently composed
\nand capable, can you offer strength, support and
\ndetermination to fight the disease.<\/p>\n
Try to take a regular break. You can choose a creative
\nhobby, reading, music, meditation or simply a soak in
\na hot bath. Whatever relaxes and rejuvenates you.
\nThis may only be fifteen minutes in a day, but you
\nneed to make some time for yourself too. If you are
\nable to take a few hours out for yourself, in a week or
\nmonth, do it. Do not hesitate. It is imperative to give
\nyourself time to heal and process your own emotions.<\/p>\n
Even one of you maintaining some touch with
\n“normal life”, makes it possible to imagine achieving
\nit again.<\/p>\n
Very often, both patient and caregiver, are pulled into
\na vortex of disease related activity. The actual
\ntreatment and medicine regime, information seeking,
\ninteraction with medical workers, fund planning,
\nphysical exhaustion, all are to be dealt with, over and
\nabove the symptoms themselves. This all leaves very
\nlittle time, energy and enthusiasm for anything
\noutside of this realm. However, if you make a
\nconscious effort to retain normalcy, you will continue
\nto be hopeful of returning your patient to this
\nnormalcy too. If you lose all hope and aspiration
\nyourself, how are you going to motivate your patient?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The initial reaction of every involved caregiver, is to stretch one’s own mental and physical abilities, to breaking point.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5613","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-care-giving"],"yoast_head":"\n