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Self-Care for Caregivers
The ultimate Caregivers guide to resilience, strength, and balance.
3 Powerful Ways to Become a More Self-Confident Caregiver
During this life-changing COVID19 pandemic outbreak I have been constantly amazed and inspired by the strength of Caregiver Warriors around the world as they cope with the devastation it brings. Caregivers seem to be hardwired with resilience.
The new normal has brought new challenges
Caregiving under normal circumstances is challenging and then having this additional crisis added to the mix seems almost insurmountable. Having to adapt to the safety precautions, losing the ability and right to be in physical contact with those they care for, and then experiencing the fear and worry if someone does get sick seems beyond anyone’s ability. Yet true Caregiver Warriors continue to fight every second of every day to make sure the people they love and care for are as safe and sound as can be. Even under these circumstances I see and hear nothing but extraordinary stories of determination and steadfast commitment.
Self-confidence is now needed more than ever
When this selfless commitment is partnered with self-confidence, the sky is the limit. However, sometimes we can be committed and steadfast for others yet be bothered by a sense of the imposter syndrome because we second guess ourselves or question our abilities. No one was more committed or resilient than I was but I was uncomfortable a lot of the time because I can be a big self doubter and over-thinker. Here are a few tricks of the trade I applied when I was knee-deep in crisis mode and I was managing to keep everyone else afloat but torturing myself with self-doubt.
Self-trust is a powerful weapon
1. Trusting myself
Listening to my instincts instead of my fears is hard for me. Even though I had survived so much in my life and gotten through some of the worst things ever, I can still trust the fear in my head rather than my proven ability to handle a wide variety of situations beautifully. I’m always working on the muscle of self-confidence. I tell myself that what I’m confronting is a piece of cake compared to what I’ve faced in my past. I have aced so many things, and even when I made a mistake have become wiser and stronger for the future. I have a written list of my achievements under pressure I can look at if I need proof! Trusting myself is the first step to making a solid effective decision about my next move. When I trust myself and my ability to do the next right thing I make decisions clearly and creatively.
Negative thoughts are usually lies
2. Questioning my negative thinking
Since so many little evil thoughts can come up no matter what I do, I have to question them. I need to ask myself if my thoughts are true. This a little magic potion. Once we begin to questions our negative thoughts, they slowly lose their power over us. Because the truth is: they are not true! Why believe them and act on them. No more taking negative self-doubting thoughts as gospel. It helps if I write them down. They look silly on paper!
Seeing is believing
3. Visualizing a great outcome
Positive visualization has dramatic results. Seeing a positive and desirable outcome in the future rather than a doom and gloom prediction is a game-changer. See yourself successfully navigating the challenge or crisis or problem with clarity and confidence. Allow yourself to feel good about how you are handling things and how proud you are of the results. See smiles all around and feel your smile in response. My secret weapon visualization is being surrounded by big kind powerful angels who are protecting me and guaranteeing the right outcome. Success is mine!
These simple tools can empower us and guide us to feeling accomplished and self-confident. Most importantly they take the stress we are feeling down a notch. They allow us to power on without the added weight of feeling bad about what we are doing and how we are doing it. It’s so wonderful to feel confident and sure. It gives us a break from self-doubt and second-guessing. One we sorely need! May the force be with you!
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I have all this but when your loved one is locked up like Fort Knox it is pretty hard to do anything
Absolutely! I think having to meet the challenge and heartache of having a loved one in lock down is unbearable. Situations like this are why I call Caregivers “Warriors”. You are so brave. Hopefully these tips can take off a little of the stress around all the decisions that have to be made during this time. Every decision made with love is the right one. I pray everyday for carers who share your experience.