WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A CARER?
To be a carer means to be constantly looking after someone with a disability or a lifelong condition that prevents from living an ordinary day-to-day life, but with your support, you are increasing their quality of life and their sense of support. Someone you may be taking care of maybe a parent, a child, a partner, or even a friend. There are around 2.65 million carers, representing 10.8% of all Australians, so just remember that you are never alone.
In being a carer, you are devoting most of your time in the day to ensuring that your dependent is well cared for and well at all times, which at times can take a toll on your own mental and physical wellbeing. Hence, below is a list of suggestions that can ease the strain on being a carer:
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MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY PREPARE YOURSELF FOR THE DAILY TASKS
Make sure your needs are taken care of first before you try to look after someone else. Like on an airplane, where you are supposed to wear your oxygen mask first before helping your dependent, you must ensure that you have sufficient energy and that your own needs are fulfilled before you assist others in getting on with their day. This includes:
- Being well-rested. It is generally recommended that 7-9 hours of sleep allows you to be awake and alert the next day
- Eat a healthy, nutritious meal in the morning
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CONNECT WITH OTHERS
Becoming a carer can often mean that most of your time is spent at home, caring for your dependent to the highest possible level. However, don’t forget that you have your own social circle, and make sure to make plans to catch up with friends/ family when you have time to. These can include:
- Going to the local park and catching up with them
- A little bit of retail therapy wouldn’t hurt
- Going on a drive with your friends; taking a road trip and spending the night somewhere relaxing
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PARTAKE IN YOUR OWN HOBBIES
Doing what you love is essential for keeping your mind healthy and happy through your day to day life. This can include tasks such as:
- Playing a musical instrument/ singing
- Drawing/ arts and craft
- Knitting/ sewing/ textiles work
- Listening to music/ make your own playlist
- Gardening; planting your favorite flowers, starting a vegetable patch, trimming your hedges into a creative shape
- Baking, trying out new recipes from cooking shows, cookbooks, YouTube videos
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DON’T FORGET PHYSICAL EXERCISE
Physical exercise is vital in maintaining a healthy body and can assist in clearing your mind. This can include tasks such as:
- Going on runs or walks within the local area
- Getting a gym membership and going whenever there is some spare time
- Zumba classes; join a class so that there is a higher sense of commitment and you can also make new friends
- Home workouts/ exercises- there are so many videos on YouTube that can assist you in coming up with your own workout routine in the comfort of your own home
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CONNECT WITH YOURSELF AND YOUR OWN MENTAL HEALTH
If things get tough, don’t forget that you aren’t alone in this and that there are many people out there willing to listen and guide you down the right path
- Meditation can assist in getting your mind off stresses that may be present, even for awhile
Yoga, to incorporate both physical exercise and mental clarity into your routine
Reach out to local support groups in which other carers are part of, so that you can feel a sense of relatability/ there are others who understand and can give you advice; you can receive validation on your own feelings, especially if you are a first-time carer- Write your thoughts/ feelings into a diary
- Keep a scrapbook of memories with your loved ones to remind you of all the good times
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INDULGE YOURSELF
Practicing self-care is vital for you to recharge and rejuvenate, as it can improve mental health and wellbeing. It can also promote healthy relationships both with ourselves and those around us. Some examples of self-care can be:
- Put on a facemask/ facial treatment
- Spa treatment
- Manicures and Pedicures to feel fancy
- Order in food from your favorite cuisine and have a relaxing meal while watching some Netflix
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AND FINALLY,
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GO ON ADVENTURES WITH YOUR DEPENDENT
Being disabled should not stop anyone from going on adventures and experiencing life to the fullest. There are many different travel agencies that specialize in organizing tours specifically for disabled/ wheelchair-bound individuals, some of which can be seen below:
This can provide a connection between the carer and the dependent beyond the walls of the home. It also assists in creating new memories with each other and strengthening the connection between the two parties as well. This can significantly improve the mental wellbeing of both parties, by adding excitement and joy to their lives
Incorporating some of these tasks in your daily life as a carer can significantly improve your quality of life, and in turn, positively impact your mood as you go about your day to day life and duties.
