Selfish versus Selfcare

Instead of acting out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, choose humility and consider others more important than yourself. 

The Difference between selfishness and selfcare

Do you find it difficult to share? Does it bother you when someone asks for something you own, whether it's your belongings or your time? Personally, I must confess that I can be a bit selfish. I prefer not to share my favorite foods.

Taking on the role of a caregiver is a transformative experience that shifts your focus away from selfishness. Growing up as an only child meant I never had to share with anyone. But when I got married and started a family, I had to learn to prioritize others before myself. Selflessness is prioritizing others over oneself without expecting anything in return, involving kindness, generosity, and empathy. After children grow up, focusing on personal needs while attending to a spouse's needs is considered acceptable.

After my mom fell ill, selfishness gradually faded away. I didn't find joy in neglecting my own needs. Instead, I had to seek a harmonious balance. Selfish behavior varies based on upbringing, culture, and personal values. While common, individuals balance self-interest with concern for others.

Despite focusing on caregiving for my loved ones, I had to prioritize my own self-care, which is often overlooked by caregivers. Balancing taking care of my mom and working, I unintentionally missed my annual appointments. Upon realizing this, I quickly got back on track.

It is important that as caregivers we carve out time for self care. Self-care focuses on maintaining physical health, managing stress, and nurturing emotional needs to improve well-being while being mindful of helping others. In contrast, selfishness prioritizes personal gain without considering others' well-being. The key difference is in intention and impact: self-care is positive and sustainable, while selfishness can harm relationships. Balancing self-care and consideration for others is essential for a healthy, empathetic life.

Below are some practical tips on incorporating self care in your daily routine:


Take Breaks: Remember to take regular breaks during the day to rest and recharge, even a few minutes can help. Consider going for walks or reading a book for relaxation.

Establish Boundaries: To prevent burnout, setting boundaries is crucial. Practice saying no and delegate tasks whenever feasible.

Seek Support: Consider joining a caregiver support group. Sharing your experiences and exchanging advice with individuals facing similar challenges can offer emotional support.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eat balanced meals, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. A healthy body supports a healthy mind

Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Engage in activities such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to reduce stress and improve mental clarity.

Engage in Hobbies and Interests: Take time to engage in activities you enjoy. Pursuing hobbies can provide a sense of fulfillment and joy.

Educate Yourself: Learn about the condition or illness of the person you are caring for. Knowledge can empower you and help reduce anxiety about the unknown

Utilize Respite Care Services: Take advantage of respite care services, which can provide temporary relief and allow you to take a much-needed break.

Taking care of yourself is not a luxury but a necessity. By ensuring your own well-being, you can provide better care for others.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Weariness comes and goes

Let us  not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians  6:9  Dear Caregivers:  Ever feel like you're playing a never-ending game of life Jenga? Balancing being a superhero spouse, grandkid wrangler, full-time work wizard, business boss, and volunteer extraordinaire, all while adding caregiving to the mix? Phew! It's like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle! It's no surprise you hit the exhaustion wall. So, what's the game plan now? As the solo offspring of my mom, we've hit the switcheroo jackpot – I'm now the mom, and she's the kid! It's like a classic tale of kids turning into parents when their own folks need a hand. I gladly take on this new role with a heart full of love. I'm beyond lucky to share a wonderful bond with my mom, and I'm certain that if our roles were reversed, she'd have my back. That's just the kind of amazing mom she is. When my gran...
Read more

Self care looks different

Self-Care Looks Different for Everyone As caregivers, we hear the phrase “don’t forget to take care of yourself” so often that it can start to feel overwhelming. But the truth is, self-care doesn’t have to look like the picture-perfect images we see online. It doesn’t always mean a spa day, a vacation, or hours of free time that many of us simply don’t have. Self-care looks different for everyone. During my caregiver journey, my self care included going for walks, having a good night sleep, or taking advantage of outings with friends.  However for some of caregivers, it’s enjoying a hot cup of coffee before the day begins. For others, it might be taking five deep breaths in the middle of a tough moment, going for a short walk, or listening to your favorite song. Sometimes self-care is as simple as saying “no” when you’re already stretched thin, or giving yourself permission to rest without guilt. The important thing to remember is this: self-care is not about how it looks on the ou...
Read more

Spouse Caregiving

“Find a good spouse, you find a good life— and even more: the favor of God!” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭22‬ ‭MSG‬‬ I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be my lawfully wedded [husband/wife], to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part" I have been married for nearly 30 years, and we have truly lived out each vow we made to one another. The most difficult one has been dealing with sickness. Witnessing my spouse confront a serious illness is incredibly challenging. In the past decade, my husband has faced multiple serious health issues, resulting in five hospital stays. Fortunately, he has triumphed over every challenge. My time as a caregiver has been somewhat limited lately. I often joke with my husband that his life is like a cat with nine lives.  Although my caregiving role is not extensive, I occasionally assist him with making appointments, attending appointments and deali...
Read more