By Jennifer McDougall
Relieve yourself from emotional exhaustion by taking time to refill your own emotional needs so you can begin feeling happy and healthy again. So many of us feel worn out and drained over time from giving much of ourselves to those we care for and forget to take time to rest and refuel. A lack of energy, poor sleep, bad diet, and decreased levels of motivation are just a few signs that its time you change the course in which you’re headed.
Neglected self-care can cause chronic health issues down the road, and this is certainly something that can be avoided when you pause, take a break, and make time to care for yourself. An empty emotional tank may cause you to break down from exhaustion and frustration. It’s essential to communicate with friends, family, and your community if there is anything anyone can help you with. As caregivers, we often take on more than we should, and although that may seem admirable, it can harm your well-being.
Signs Your Emotional Tank is Empty
- lack of motivation
- feeling irritable
- difficulties sleeping
- physical fatigue
- feelings of hopelessness
- headache
- change in diet
- change in appetite
- feeling nervous
- increased anxiety
- loss of focus
- depression
- increased cynicism
Common Emotional Triggers
- being a caregiver
- current pandemic
- living with a chronic illness
- recent injury
- loss of job
- pressure at work or school
- moving
- having a baby
- death of a friend or family member
- financial stress
- breakup
- prolonged divorce
If you have been experiencing increased stress lately, you may notice the adverse effects in your life, and these issues can sneak up on you. Still, regardless of when you finally realize you need to allow yourself a time-out, if you are reading this blog right now, that’s a clear indication you are ready to fill your emotional tank back up and feel good again.
How to Refill Your Emotional Tank
- Identify what is triggering your emotional stress.
- Create and implement a plan to minimize or completely eliminate the stress triggered by new coping practices.
- Stock up on healthy food and beverage items to improve home eating options.
- Exercise at least once a day to raise your endorphin and serotonin levels.
- Limit your alcohol intake.
- Try to get 8-9 hours of sleep per night to help balance your hormones.
- Practice yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises to help maintain mindfulness.
- Write in your journal daily to sort through your thoughts, ideas, fears, and emotions.
- Talk to a trusted friend or family member who is a non-judgmental confidant who can listen to you about what you’re currently frustrated about.
- Write a list of the top 10 things you are most grateful for every day.
- Reach out to a life coach like JustABrizze for professional guidance.
- Take a drive to clear your mind, get out of the house, and change your scenery.
SelfCare4Caregivers 