While Caregiving life is fulfilling and rewarding, it is equally demanding and intense.
Given the chance to do it again, I would choose the same, ten times over. Caring for my parents, Son, and young family is a gift as much as a duty.
However, there is no doubt that Caregiving life is fast-paced, high-intensity, exhausting, and depleting.
My days usually end with me feeling both wired and exhausted – physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Most nights, I am run down, tired, and want to hit my bed like a sack of potatoes! But I resist.
All in the name of self-care (how ironic!?) and affording myself ‘me time!’.
Indulging in Life’s Simple Pleasures
As a business owner, I actually spend most of this time working. But, as a mental health advocate, I also know I must practice what I preach!
So, when feeling low in mood, energy, and mental capacity, I down-tool and turn my attention to self-love. Indulging in some of life’s simple pleasures works wonders to lift mood and combat tiredness.
My top 5 weapons of choice
1.Snacking, grazing, and eating a little, often to beat tiredness. Crucially, no big meals. Over time, this also helps me shed weight and boost my energy levels.
2.Getting active to wake up those dormant muscles. Sometimes hot yoga/pilates, mostly a brisk walk admiring nature and wildlife, but feeling muscle aches after a productive session is invigorating.
3.Sleeping well to flush out those toxins, ideally during an optimum 8-hour sleep cycle and letting my mind-body system recharge fully.
4.Reducing stress boosts energy, so I like quick pick-me-ups. A hot shower soaking up my favourite scent is usually enough to (re)energise and lift my mood.
As is listening to nostalgic sing-along classics or a podcast I am into that week.
When more is needed to release happy chemicals in my brain-body system, I shop, book holidays, and get busy planning fun days out and/or gatherings!
Not the simplest, but most definitely pleasurable!
5.Talking therapy beats fatigue, so I love connecting with loved ones.
Messaging and video calls are great, but nothing beats in-person one-on-one time, where a good hug, chat, and laugh are all the stimulation I need to regain zest and energy.
There is also professional support if you would prefer to try different types of talking therapy with a trained therapist.
