Most of you nose that I live with idiopathic epilepsy.  My huMom does everthing she can to make sure that I am happy, healthy & safe.  Just like you do for your furmily whether they be 2 leggers, 4 leggers, finned or feathered.  Being a caregiver for a loved one with health issues can strain even the most resilient human. If you’re a caregiver, you must take steps to pawserve your own health & well-being.  Hi, CEO Olivia here to yapp about just that.

A caregiver is anyone who pawvides help to another being in need & being a caregiver can have many rewards. For most caregivers, being there when a loved one needs you is a core value & something you wish to pawvide but it can come with some emotional &  physical stress.

Humans who experience caregiver stress can be at risk to changes in their own health. Some of which can be social isolation, depression, financial difficulties & lack of support emotionally, physically & financially.

As a caregiver, it is easy to become more focused on your loved one that you don’t realize that your own health & well-being are suffering.

Common signs of caregiver stress:

• Feeling overwhelmed or constantly worried
• Feeling tired often
• Getting too much sleep or not enough sleep
• Gaining or losing weight
• Becoming easily irritated or angry
• Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Feeling sad
• Having frequent headaches, bodily pain or other physical problems
• Abusing alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications

Caregivers, are more likely to experience symptoms of depression or anxiety, not get enough sleep or physical activity, or eat a balanced diet. Too much stress, especially over a long time, can harm your health.

The emotional & physical demands involved with caregiving can be great & the strongest of humans can break under the strain. Like huMom often needs to remind herself, if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to care for anyone else.

There are ways to help manage that stress:

• Accept Help. Pawpare  a list of ways that others can help you, & let your helpers choose what they would like to do. For instance, a furiend may want to take your good dog for walkies a couple of times a week or to come by to help clean the yard or do the pup laundry. Pawhaps a friend or furmily member could pick up your groceries, prescriptions or help with the dog bath (yes, I did say the B word).
• Focus on What You Can Pawvide. I nose it hard for humans to accept but it’s normal to feel guilty sometimes.  I suggest you ‘be more dog’. Remember no one is a “pawfect” caregiver. Nose that you are doing the best you can & making the best decisions you can.  Self compassion goes a long way.
• Create Realistic Goals. It helps to bite off smaller chunks of a bigger task. Make a lists & establish a daily routine. Nose it’s ok to say no to things that are draining whatever that is for you.
• Connect. Find your community. There are always others going through what you are experiencing.  Connecting, sharing experiences & resources can make a world of difference.  Pawhaps you can find a support group.  They can pawvide validation & encouragement, as well as problem-solving strategies for difficult situations. Those in support groups understand what you may be going through. It can also be a pawtastic place to create meaningful furiendships.
• Sniff Out Social Support. Make an effort to stay connected with furmily & furiends who can pawffer nonjudgmental emotional support. Make time for meeting, even if it’s just a walkie with a furiend.  HuMom talks on WhatsApp with her sister everyday & when they have time they play Yahtzee.  They joke & laugh; it’s a wooftastic way to bring a little fun into each day.
• Create Pawsonal Health Goals. Setting goals such as a good sleep routine, being physically active each day even a 20 minute walkie can be a pawtastic way to be active, eat healthy & drink plenty of water are all wagnificent ways to create good pawsonal health goals.  HuMom connects & meditates with a group online every day pawsible for 45minutes. Before cuddle time she meditates again for 15 minutes.  It’s been pawsitively pawriffic for her well being.

I  nose it can be difficult for you humans to ask for help but that kind of attitude can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration & depression.  Please bring self compassion into your daily life.  You are never alone.  Everyone suffers.  Suffering is pawt of being human.  You don’t need to do it alone.

Here is a pawsome App huMom has started to use.  My Auntie shared it with her.  A 60 Second Meditation Tool To Help Clear Your Mind.

Remember, if you have a question we love to pawvide you with answers.  Reach out to us here, through Instagram, Facebook, email or call us.  If you don’t have long distance calling contact us online & let us call you.

Have a pawsome week, CEO Olivia, Dot & Jerry Underfoot 💜

 

PS 🐾 Looking for wagnifient healthy & furbulously fun toys or pawsibly a supplement for the well being of your pawtacular good dog or cat? Shop Naturally

Join my pack at knottytoysforgooddogs.com