Mindfulness – Page 2 – Frederica's Passions

You can’t help anyone, if you need help. CARE FOR YOURSELF!

Being a caregiver requires a great deal of responsibility and patience. It can be stressful and time consuming. While focusing a lot of attention on someone else, it would be wise to be cognizant of your own wellbeing. What good are you to anyone, if you are not emotionally okay?

It is not selfish to put yourself first. If you need help, ask for it. You will do more harm to everyone if you try to please others when you are not in optimal health. Don’t try to be a superhero and prove your strength. The many challenges you face, can take its toll in the long run. Having a reliable support system will benefit you and your patient(s).

It takes a special person to become a caregiver (even to family members). Usually people get paid to assist with strangers though. Choosing such an undertaking, can be both physically and mentally exhausting. When it all seems overwhelming, it is best to pause and reconsider one’s effectiveness. There is no shame in trying and then throwing in the towel. Recognize when you’ve had enough. At least you gave it a shot. KNOW YOUR LIMITS.

Once people attempt to honor a commitment, fear can surface, that if they quit, they will have failed. Feelings matter and no one is to blame for expressing themselves respectfully, when the going gets rough. BE CLEAR and CONCISE. Speak your Intentions and don’t sugarcoat any issues.

When you lose sight of your own self care, you cannot possibly give adequate time and affection to others. Don’t feel guilty in taking some time away to pamper yourself once in awhile. NURTURE YOUR WANTS. De-stress and you will bounce back.

We all need to identify our emotions and concentrate on our positive attributes. Sometimes we hit bumps on the road. Then, we regroup and keep moving forward. No one should be expected to give what they don’t have or do the impossible. Just wanting to make a difference, makes a difference. Look for alternatives and resources to combat negative thoughts. Let it be a mission to practice self-love, before you devote a substantial amount of energy elsewhere. If not, you risk “burnout” and may feel like a burden also. Alleviate your strain… LET GO and find other constructive ways to be productive.

Take a break from your hectic schedule and make time for YOU. Sit quietly in a comfortable setting and let go of outside noises. Don’t be tempted to look at or answer to any electronic devices.

We can all benefit from a mental timeout, every now and then. We need to sit still. Sleep is good, but we may only have a few minutes to meditate… to pray. Find reasons to laugh. Cry if you must release tension. Relax. Slow down. Detach from stress. Pause. Breathe deeply. Unwind. Alleviate anxiety and elevate your conciousness.

In order to thrive, we all must focus and devote attention to our own spiritual wellbeing. First, practice good habits and maintain healthy boundaries. Second, remove negative substances and toxic people from your life. Lastly, balance your thoughts, feed your body with nutrients, and do what makes your soul happy. These tools will increase your quality of life, your energy and overall physical health. Your mood will be calmer- allowing you to make rational choices. Your behavior will reflect your positive attitude and your radiant spirit will influence others. Your stamina will increase and help you to move more freely- to enjoy all the things you hope to create or conquer.

Challenge yourself to take care of YOU, first and foremost. YOU matter!