Hear Reflections & Tips from Carers on how to make your journey easier
How are you? We want to check in and see how things are going, with some wise words from the Carers we speak with. Looking after yourself is vital, but it can be challenging to prioritise when you are juggling many areas of your life.
Carers have shared the following reflections…
Try to do at least one new thing each month to look after your own well-being. Our Wellbeing Directory might give you some new ideas.
Get support ensure you are receiving the support available for you and the person you care for. Want to know who your local Carer Support Services are? Have a look at the websites below to find out.
Register as a Carer with your GP to access FREE flu vaccinations and keep up to date with your Covid boosters. Speak to your GP about having a FREE Carer Health check. If you have ongoing health conditions, prioritise your health reviews, too. Set reminders for any repeat prescriptions so you don’t run out of meds.
Stay Active, explore ways to build activity into your daily routine and do things you enjoy. Get out and about; even a short walk around the block or standing on your front doorstep, fresh air and a change of scenery can make a significant difference.
- Many local leisure centres have low-cost memberships, some of these are on our Wellbeing Directory.
- You might be eligible for a discounted rate or a FREE exercise programme from your GP. Learn more about this by searching for Exercise Referral Scheme to see if you have access to it in your area.
- Here is an online programme from the NHS Get active – Better Health – NHS (www.nhs.uk) and specifically for Carers Physical activity and wellbeing videos | Carers UK
Eat healthily and stay hydrated. Have a drinking water bottle with you and sip it throughout the day. Here are interesting facts as to why! https://www.nhsinform.scot/campaigns/hydration/
Not much of a cook, or do you want to learn nutritional eating habits? There are programmes to help; you can search online or visit your local Library or leisure centre to see what they know. Your local Council and GP surgery will also be aware of local programmes
Make time to relax. Sit, breathe and rest. Have you tried learning some techniques to help with relaxation? Here is a NHS guide to Mindfulness Relaxation Mindfulness – NHS (www.nhs.uk) ) and here is a link to the NHS guide to Meditation How to meditate for beginners – Mental wellbeing tips – Every Mind Matters – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Talk about it. Ensure you have opportunities to discuss your unique Carer journey and experiences. One of the most important things is having safe spaces to speak honestly and freely about your experiences as a Carer. It can help release tension and worries, and you can gain from how others have managed their situations. Did you know we have online Zoom groups and a Private Carers Facebook Group?
Ensure you have opportunities to speak with trusted family members and friends. Consider professional support; somebody trained to hold the space for you and support is best. Further information on how this can help and where to access support Talking therapies and counselling – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Thank you for reading this post! We hope the tips and insights from fellow Carers have been helpful. Caring for someone can be challenging, but remember, you’re not alone. Our community is here to support you every step of the way. Feel free to share your own tips, or reach out for support. Together, we can create a stronger, more Carer Friendly Dorset. 💙