Looking After Yourself While Caring for Others

Caring for others can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Whether you’re a support worker, caregiver or whānau member providing care at home, looking after your own wellbeing is an important part of caring for others.

For World Mental Health Day, we’re sharing some simple ways to support your mental health, manage stress and make time to recharge.


Why your wellbeing matters

Whether you provide professional home care services or support a family member at home, caring for others can take a lot of energy.

Support workers may spend their days helping people with everyday activities, personal care, household tasks, appointments, community participation and achieving their goals. Family caregivers may also balance caring responsibilities with work, family life and other commitments.

With so much focus on the person receiving care, it can be easy to put your own needs last.

Looking after your mental and physical wellbeing isn't selfish. Self-care for caregivers and support workers is an important part of being able to provide sustainable, quality care.


1. Check in with yourself

Take a moment to notice how you’re feeling. Are you more tired, stressed or irritable than usual? Are you struggling to sleep, relax or enjoy things you normally would?

Recognising changes in your wellbeing can help you identify when you might need extra support or a break.


2. Look after the basics

When life gets busy, it’s easy to overlook your own needs. Try to prioritise regular meals, enough sleep, movement and time to rest.

You don’t need to make big changes. Small, manageable habits can make a difference to your overall wellbeing.


3. Keep moving

Physical activity can be a simple way to support your mental wellbeing and take a break from your usual routine.

Go for a walk, spend time in the garden, stretch, swim, dance or simply get outside for some fresh air. Find something you enjoy and that fits into your life.


4. Stay connected

Caring can sometimes feel isolating, so make time for the people who support you. Catch up with a friend, call a family member or spend time doing something you enjoy together.

If you’re struggling, talking openly with someone you trust can also be an important first step towards getting support.


5. Make time for yourself

Your caring role is important, but it doesn’t have to be your whole life. Make space for things that help you relax and feel like yourself; whether that’s a hobby, reading, music, getting outdoors or simply having some quiet time.

Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. Even small moments to pause and recharge can help.


6. Give yourself time to recharge

One of the most important things you can do for your mental health is give yourself a break from caring responsibilities.

For family and whānau caregivers, respite care can provide valuable time to rest and recharge while the person you care for continues to receive support. Respite might mean having support at home while you take some time for yourself, getting out for the day or taking a longer break away.

Planning ahead can make it easier to take respite when you need it, rather than waiting until you’re completely exhausted.

For support workers, taking appropriate breaks and making time to recharge outside of work is just as important. Your wellbeing matters both in and outside of your role.


Carers NZ: resources for carers and caregivers

Carers NZ has a range of resources to help carers look after their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for someone at home and want some practical ideas for making more time for yourself, it’s a great place to start.

Click here to explore the Carers NZ resources.


Your wellbeing matters too

Whether you’re a home care support worker, professional caregiver or family carer, taking care of yourself doesn’t mean taking care away from someone else.

Rest, connection, movement and time for yourself are all part of maintaining your wellbeing; and sometimes the most important thing you can do is simply give yourself permission to take a break.

This World Mental Health Day, take a moment to check in with yourself and consider what you need to feel supported, rested and well.