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Looking after your own wellbeing as a carer -Stress Awareness Month

04/04/2024

 

Caring for a loved one can be emotionally and physically challenging and often overwhelming at times. It’s important you take the time to look after yourself so you don’t burn out and can continue giving the best level of care not only to your loved one, but yourself too. 

 

April is Stress Awareness Month, and it was created to raise awareness of the contributing factors to stress and to fight the taboo around suffering from stress. Stress is very common, in fact, it is reported that ‘one in five people over the age of 16 suffer from stress’. 

 

Being a carer comes with many challenges, often on top of juggling work, family life and personal commitments. 

 

This year’s Stress Awareness month theme is #Littlebylittle to show the importance of how the smallest steps towards self-care and stress-busting techniques can help your mental health.   

 

 

Signs of stress

 

Stress can happen gradually or suddenly, but there’s usually signs that your body and mind are telling you that you need to take a break.   

 

 

Try to relax 

 

It’s not always easy to take time out, but putting aside some time for yourself will help you temporarily switch off from your problems and focus on yourself and what makes you happy, which can have a positive impact on your mental health. Below are a few of our suggestions on how to switch off: 

 

 

Get creative 

 

Being creative helps you immerse yourself in other activities and can provide a much-needed distraction. There are many ways you can be creative, even if you’re not a creative type! 

 

 

Looking after your physical health 

 

Your physical health and mental health go hand in hand, so it’s important to treat both equally.  From exercising to eating healthy, all of these can help improve your body and mind. 

 

 

Get social 

 

A burden shared, is a burden halved. Surrounding yourself with family, friends or a local support group will give you time to reflect and speak to others who can give a lending ear. 

 

Ask for help 

 

Always remember that you’re not alone. Stress affects many of us and there’s no weakness in asking for help. Our Carers services have many ways we can help you and we’re only a phone call or click away. 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking after your own wellbeing as a carer -Stress Awareness Month