In my New Year, New Me blog, I promised to eat, think, feel, and plan well for a healthier and happier 2024.
As a certified mental health advocate, I believe in prioritising self-care and our own needs before the needs of those we care for.
This is not a selfish act. In fact, it can be argued to be selfless. I mean, how can we give when there is nothing in our cup to give? It’s true we cannot pour from an empty vessel.
That said, this idea then puts the needs of those we care for in second place.
In practical terms, this is hard to accept and manage.
Life does not wait – when those we care for need us, we are obliged there and then.
This notion creates internal conflict, which impacts our physical, mental, and emotional health over time.
To address the issue and navigate the pressures of wanting to stick to our resolutions and the priorities of loved ones, my advice stands.
Success comes with a good plan.
Without a schedule of priorities, navigating Carer pressures any time of year is difficult.
Often, it leads to anxiety and a depressive state. Far from our intentions when we had first set our goals.
The importance of planning well to take on life
With a clear plan, schedule, or routine, our lives as a working professional and caregivers become more manageable and enjoyable. We avoid cycles of chasing our own tails, trying to stick to our resolutions, and fulfilling the priorities of loved ones.
I use my e-calendar to set daily reminders, work, personal, and caregiving tasks and meetings, plus my own self-care appointments. I plan my routine day-by-day and include hubby’s working hours, days off, and our Son’s preschool schedule.
By doing this, I keep important tasks, make special moments, stick to my goals, keep up with self-care activities, and care well for loved ones.
For more tips and advice on how to plan well to navigate the pressures of being a Carer, check these:
- Planning my typical days as Mum & working professional
- How to create a daily routine and caregiving schedule that makes life easier
My New Year Caregiving priorities
At the start of the year, I had two Caregiving priorities to plan for.
The first one was for my Son, who – after turning 3 at the end of 2023 – became eligible for the government’s 30-hours free childcare and a transition to preschool.
The second was for my Mum and sister and her family, whom I promised to see more regularly this year and better support, especially during school holidays.
To begin with, it was stressful trying to research and plan with everything up in the air.
But within a month, I had:
- Found and attended 3 preschool visits
- Agreed where our Son would transition to
- Confirmed our arrangements with his current and new daycare provider
- Locked in dates for family visits to Leeds, including a short break with Mum while my sister and brother-in-law take their children abroad for a well-deserved holiday.
Core to achieving these goals are a well-organised schedule and sharing my load through good communication with loved ones.
For more tips on how to navigate the new year and all-year-round pressures as a Caregiver to feel better, this blog may be just the thing you need x
