Caregivers Make a Difference Every Day. Join Our Team!
Here’s why you should be a Comfort Keeper:
Friendly & Positive Work Atmosphere
Flexible Scheduling
Competitive Pay
Caring for others can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Whether you are in the caregiving industry or taking care of a loved one, it is important to remember to recharge your batteries. For family members, caregiving can also lead to additional pressures, including financial strain, family conflict, and social withdrawal. Over time, caregiver stress can lead to burnout, a disorder defined by irritability, fatigue, sleep issues, feelings of helplessness, and social isolation. However, there are several things you can do to prevent burnout while paving the way toward becoming a better caregiver.
Self Compassion
The basis for self-care is being kind to oneself. This means giving yourself credit for the challenging, complex labor of caregiving and stepping away from the self-critical, harsh inner voice. It also means allowing yourself time to take care of yourself — even if it’s just for a few minutes a day. While caregivers often feel guilty for paying attention to their own needs, what you need to know is this: in fact, practicing self-care allows caregivers to stay more balanced and focused, which helps everyone involved.
Practice Breath Awareness
One of the simplest deep relaxation techniques is breath awareness. One way you can do this includes the following:
- Find a comfortable seated position on a chair or cushion.
- Close your eyes and begin to notice your breath.
- It is common to have distracting thoughts come and go, but just let them pass, and gently bring your attention back to your breath.
- Breathe in slowly through your nose for five counts, hold and pause for five counts,* and exhale for five counts.
- Continue for 10 minutes.
For deeper relaxation, gradually extend your exhalation, until you reach an exhalation twice the length of the inhalation (10 counts).
Prioritize Sleeping and Eating Healthy
It’s easy to forget about your own meals and needs when you’re so focused on helping others. However, maintaining adequate sleep and nutrition are essential for preventing caregiver burnout. Start with building a daily 10-minute nighttime routine and include breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga poses. Missing meals can also lead to irritability and fatigue, so it is important to eat at regular intervals throughout the day.
Apply for a Caregiver Job in Somerset
Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can make a difference in someone's life? Consider joining our team as an in-home caregiver! At Comfort Keepers Somerset, we are searching for individuals who love the idea of assisting seniors with daily needs while helping them remain in the comforts of home. As a caregiver, you can also assist seniors with tasks like meal preparation, personal care, transportation to appointments, medication reminders, and more. If this sounds like an opportunity you would be interested in, we encourage you to apply for a caregiver job in Somerset with Comfort Keepers today!