Our caregiving experience can take so much from us. When I consider what we need, I think of respite and relief.
We need respite — time away to rest our weary bones. We need respite when we are tired of doing so much. It’s the break for our body. Time away, which could just be five minutes in our backyard, gives us a chance to sit and enjoy a new view which can help us get a new outlook. We can take a deep breath, decide we’re okay and go back to our circumstances.
We need relief — time within to find healing from what pains us. We need relief when we are weary of enduring so much. It’s the break for our heartache. Relief can come when we have a reprieve from our caree’s doctors appointments which seem to never end. With that time, we can receive comfort so we feel supported, loved, valued. Without doctor’s appointments, we can enjoy some normalcy in our day. We can take a deep breath, decide we’re okay and go back to our circumstances.
When you feel like you are toast, like you just want to throw in the towel, consider how both respite and relief can help. Respite often comes from scheduling the time away, even if you just schedule 15 minutes away in your basement in the morning and afternoon. Relief often comes from simply clearing the schedule so that you have time to feel and reflect.
Respite and relief can happen separately or together. A family caregiver shared that she books one night at a hotel room near her home so she can rest, which gives her body a break. Her adult daughter takes over for her during her 20-hour break. During her night away, she journals about her days which becomes a relief for the heartbreak she feels. When she returns home the next day, both her body and her heart feel better.
What brings you respite and relief?
(Image by Melk Hagelslag from Pixabay)
This week’s quick video shares why caregiving isn’t like a crisis on an airplane where an oxygen mask drops for everyone.
Updates
The Caring Awards deadline is November 22! We’re honoring caregiving books, advocates and TikTok channels.
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