The Carers Guide to Self-Care: Why Taking a Break is Essential
Caring for someone is generally a selfless role, filled with love, dedication, and countless sacrifices. However, the responsibilities of caring for a family member or a friend can often lead to neglecting your own wellbeing, which is why we are bringing you our Carers Guide to Self-Care.
At least 1 in 10 of us are in a caring role. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released a report shedding light on the health of unpaid carers in England. The report reveals that carers often experience lower levels of wellbeing and higher rates of mental health issues compared to non-carers. This highlights the urgent need for carers to prioritise self-care, including taking breaks, to look after their own health and wellbeing.
According to a recent study by Carers UK, a staggering 72% of carers in the UK report feeling stressed and overwhelmed due to their carer responsibilities. This worrying statistic emphasises the need for carers to prioritise self-care and take regular breaks to prevent burnout and maintain their health.
Peter Whitfield lives in Bexhill and cares for his wife, Roma. He shared:
“You keep on going with the routine, but you become angry about caring… that’s a fact. I can’t imagine anybody that isn’t. Taking a break is an opportunity to be able to stop, to not have to worry about the caring, and to just start to do some of the things that you know you used to really enjoy doing.”
Sometimes it’s hard to take the first step into taking a break, feeling like you don’t deserve it, the person you are supporting won’t like it and many other reasons. Remember that looking after you is the first step to looking after them!
Taking a break isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity for carers. Even short breaks can significantly reduce stress levels, boost mental alertness, and enhance overall wellbeing. Research by the University of Sheffield supports this, showing that carers who take regular breaks experience lower levels of depression and anxiety, leading to improved health for both themselves and the people they support.
Here are 5 benefits that you can get from taking a break from caring:
Reduce Stress: even a short break can help alleviate stress and prevent burnout.
Prioritise your Health: allow yourself to focus on your own health needs, ensuring you’re fit and able to continue providing care.
Improve your Wellbeing: breaks provide the opportunity to pursue hobbies, spend time with other people, and engage in self-care activities.
Improve Relantionships: spending quality time with friends and family during breaks can strengthen relationships and reduce feelings of isolation.
Regain Energy: stepping away from caring duties allows for a fresh perspective, leading to increased creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Carers Guide to Self-Care: Practical Steps to Taking a Break
1. Recognise your Needs: acknowledge that caring for yourself is essential for effective caring for someone else.
2. Reach Out for Support: connect with local carers centres or support groups for guidance and assistance. Take advantage of resources offered by organisations such as Care for the Carers, including information and practical support.
3. Explore your Options: research care support available in your area, there are small and big options available or speak to Care for the Carers, your local carers centre, for advice.
4. Plan Regular Breaks: schedule breaks into your caring routine to allow you to have regular small self-care.
5. Don’t Wait: prioritise self-care before reaching breakdown. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
As carers, it’s easy to prioritise the needs of others above our own. However, taking a break is not only essential for maintaining our wellbeing but also for providing the best possible care to family and friends we are supporting.
Remember, be kind to yourself too – taking a break is not selfish!
Get In Touch:
Diversity Resource International (DRI) and Care for the Carers facilitate regular support groups across East Sussex including Eastbourne, Uckfield, Hastings/St. Leonards, Peacehaven and Seaford for informal carers from minoritised ethnic backgrounds.
If you’re interested in joining a support group, we welcome you to fill out our referral form. If you have any difficulties completing the online form, you can download the document by clicking the button below, fill in your details and send it to us by email at community@driorg.com or by post.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions. We’re here to assist you and ensure you feel supported!
Get in touch with Care for the Carers, your local carers centre, for information about all support available and take the first step!
Call them at 01323 738390, text them at 07860 077300, or email them at info@cftc.org.uk