Image via Wikipedia
If you ask or even see the many stress factors of women, you will find many have taken on the role of caring for parents, family, and friends. It is just in our nature. When there is a need within the family, most women gladly jump to the challenge knowing we should not take on any added stress in our lives. In fact, most women caregivers would have it no other way especially when they are caring for parents.
So is a caregiver naturally a woman’s role? It is a known fact that more women than men have accepted the primary role of caring for parents, family, and friends. Compared to the men, women caregivers experience greater levels of stress from caring for those we love. Some would say it is in our nature to care for others based on our roles as mothers. Those who attempt to analyze why we are so stressed tries to teach us to say no. That is easy to say, but hard to do especially when you are caring for parents. Therefore, we will just save that question for the experts.
Whether you enjoy the stress that comes with this role or not, there are ways you can cut the stress. Countless women caregivers have been able to find balance in their lives. These are just a few tips you may want to try if you are finding yourself overwhelmed while caring for parents, family, and friends.
If Your Loved Ones Are Sick, Gather More Information about Their Illness
Know what you are dealing with. It is that simple. By becoming knowledgeable about the illness, you will come to realize some things are out of your control. Comforting is possibly all you can do for them. You will also learn what to expect as the illness progresses. To learn more about their illness try to get permission to consult with their doctor. This is easy to do if you are caring for parents. If you are caring for other family members, you may have to speak to their spouses or children. Depending on your relationship with your friend’s family, you may not receive pertinent information. Not knowing anything about the illness of your loved one will keep you confused, worried, and full of stress.
Learn to Ask For Help When Caring for Parents, Family, or Friends
It is okay to ask others to help when you are caring for parents, family, or friends. Help can come from health organizations, counselors, local government, and church. A great way to find local services is to do an online search. You would simply search for the illness and your city or state.
Make Yourself the Primary Caregiver and Delegate Work
Although you may have taken the initiative to help your elderly or sick loved one without anyone asking you, some people are waiting for someone to tell them what to do. As ridiculous as this sound, this is true. Has anyone said this to you? “Let me know if you need my help!” Well, what they are really asking for is instructions. No one will think less of you if you delegate work to others while you are caring for parents, family, or friends. This will surely lessen the load on you.
Set Aside At Least One Hour a Day for Yourself
More than likely, caring for parents, family, or friends makes you a very busy person. Find at least one hour a day to pamper and rejuvenate you no matter how busy you are. By doing so, you will find the stress diminishing.
Cling to a Hobby that can Decrease the Stress
One of the many reasons people cling to their hobbies is because it brings them happiness. Very rarely will you find anyone forced into a hobby. Their hobby is something they enjoy. Anytime you are doing something you enjoy, stress is less likely to creep in. Therefore, while you are caring for parents, family, or friends do not put your hobbies to the side. Use your downtime to embrace your hobby.
Additional Notes
Around the Web Regarding Caring for Parents, Family, or Friends
- The Caregiving Stress of Men (lifefoneblog.com)
- Leann Reynolds: Finding Superwoman: The Perils and Triumphs of Caring For Your Own Parents (huffingtonpost.com)
- Care for the Caregiver (everydayhealth.com)
This is some great advice, Kathy. You’re right. Women do tend to step up and take on caregiver roles, more so than men. I haven’t yet been presented with a situation that would call for me to be a caregiver, but I’m sure it will come someday. Asking for help is so important, and making time for yourself as well. You canb become burnt out so easily. Thanks for posting this, and again, I’m so glad that God used my blog post to bless you.
Hi Kathy,
Great article. So true. Not only do I have 3 children still at home, I care for 1 of my grandchildren 3 days a week. (it’s a blessing) My mother-in-law is 86 now and needs much care. It is sooo important for me to be careful to take time for me! Thanks for the post!
Blessings
Shari
I read an article on Yahoo a few weeks ago related to this issue. It actually showed that women who stay at home (moms, wives, etc.) are at a high risk for depression. These women have so many responsibilities that they rarely take care of themselves. They don’t get regular breaks or time to revive.