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How to Avoid Cancer Caregiver Burnout

Beacon Advocates Blog Posts - How to Avoid Cancer Caregiver Burnout

How to Avoid Cancer Caregiver Burnout

Have you ever heard the saying: “You cannot pour from an empty cup.” In the context of caregiving, this translates to: “Make sure you practice some self-care, so you can continue taking care of others.” Still, it can easily happen to a caregiver to neglect their personal needs, especially when taking care of a loved one. That’s why this blog post is all about avoiding cancer caregiver burnout.

Practice self-care to prevent cancer caregiver burnout

Proper self-care is not a question of being selfish, but a necessity to make sure you stay up to the often challenging task of taking care of others.

  • Make sure to eat healthily and stay hydrated: You need nutrients and water to fuel your body and mind.
  • Try to get enough sleep and take short breaks if you can.
  • Moderate exercise like walking can help combat stress.
  • Look into relaxation methods like guided meditation, tai chi, and yoga.
  • Be realistic about what you can and cannot do. You are only human, after all.
  • Try to find help if needed. Maybe a friend or family member can take over now and then, so you can take a break. Look for self-help/support groups dedicated to caregivers and/or friends and families of cancer patients.
  • In this AARP article, you might find some inspiration for self-care you can practice in as little as 15 minutes.
  • Pay attention to yourself and the stress reactions of your body and mind.
  • Find somebody to talk to. This can be a friend, a fellow member of your support group, or even a professional counselor/therapist.

You are not alone!

Get Beacon Advocates on board. There is a lot we can do to support cancer patients and their caregivers during the cancer care journey. Contact us to find out more about how we can help!

More information and further reading:

  • https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/self-care-for-caregivers
  • https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Family-Members-and-Caregivers/Taking-Care-of-Yourself
  • https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance/info-2021/15-minute-self-care-ideas.html
  • https://medium.com/good-advice-publishing/5-tips-for-better-self-care-for-caregivers-c1af84a491eb

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