|
Self-Preservation
Embracing Guilt-Free Caregiving
As a cancer caregiver, it’s easy to feel like you need to be "on" all the time, always focusing on the needs of your loved one. But in the midst of constant care, it’s easy to forget that you need care too.
Unfortunately, when you do take a moment for yourself, you may find yourself overwhelmed by guilt. It’s that nagging feeling that you’re being selfish, or that you should be doing more for your loved one.
Here’s the reality: guilt is a barrier.
It’s a powerful emotion that can keep you from prioritizing your own well-being, but it doesn’t have to be in control. The truth is, if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to give your best to anyone else.
Burnout, exhaustion, and stress-related illness will eventually take their toll, and when that happens, you won’t be able to support your loved one in the way you want to.
So how can you start overcoming this guilt?
It begins by reframing the way you view your own care. When you prioritize your well-being, you’re actually giving yourself the strength and energy to show up as the best version of yourself for your loved one.
When guilt tries to take over, remember that your health and happiness matter just as much as the care you provide. You deserve time to rest, recharge, and enjoy small moments of peace.
These moments are not distractions from caregiving—they are what will keep you strong and capable, allowing you to continue being there for your loved one in the long run.
So go ahead, take that break. You’ve earned it.❤️
|
|
|
|
Sponsor
Discover Calm in Just 5 Minutes a Day with Revive in 5!
Caregiving can feel overwhelming—your schedule is packed, your energy is low, and it seems like there’s never time for YOU. But what if you could reclaim a few precious moments of calm and clarity each day?
With Revive in 5, you can. This self-paced program is designed for caregivers like you, offering five unique 5-minute guided breathing exercises to help you prioritize your own care without taking time away from your loved one.
Here’s what you’ll gain:
❤️ Simple Stress Relief: Release tension with quick, effective techniques tailored for busy caregivers.
❤️ A Clearer Mind: Refresh your focus and improve your ability to tackle daily challenges.
❤️ A Renewed Spirit: Reconnect with yourself and feel more balanced in just 5 minutes.
❤️ Anywhere, Anytime Support: Access your exercises whenever you need a moment of calm.
This isn’t just about surviving caregiving—it’s about reviving your energy and showing up for your loved one with a full heart and clear mind.
Ready to feel more like YOU again?
Join Revive in 5 today and discover the power of small moments to create big changes.
Click below to learn more and take the first step toward the self-care you deserve.
Your time matters. Your care matters. You can make all the difference in just 5 minutes a day,
|
New Episode: The Cancer Caregiver Podcast
The One Thing That’s Stopping You from Truly Caring for Yourself (And How to Break Free)
As a cancer caregiver, you’ve probably experienced those moments when you’re finally able to relax or enjoy something for yourself—only to be hit with that overwhelming wave of guilt. You know, the kind that makes you feel like you're being selfish for taking a break.
It’s a feeling that can be impossible to shake, but it doesn’t have to be.
In this week’s episode, I’m diving deep into a topic that impacts so many caregivers: guilt. The kind of guilt that shows up the moment you start to feel like you deserve a moment of peace, or when you take a step back for some self-care.
It’s tough, but here’s the thing: guilt is one of the biggest barriers standing between you and the care you need.
I’ll walk you through how guilt affects your caregiving, why it’s not something you just “get over,” and—most importantly—what you can do to start moving past it.
This isn’t about ignoring your feelings but about reclaiming your right to care for yourself without the constant judgment.
I’ll share practical strategies to help you break free and make your own care a priority, not a luxury.
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll learn:
- Why guilt is often the root cause of your resistance to caring for yourself
- How to reframe the concept of “selflessness” in caregiving
- What to do the next time guilt tries to take over your peace of mind
Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one.
Click here to listen to the full episode and start feeling empowered to care for yourself in the way you deserve: Listen Here
Looking forward to hearing what you think!
|
Cancer Caregiver Resource
Would you like someone to talk to?
Imerman Angels connects Support Seekers with their very own cancer confidante at no cost. They work to match you with someone with the same cancer type, cancer mutation/risk, and life experience.
No algorithms, just people helping people. Mentor Angel volunteers are trained to provide a safe, nurturing space for asking questions, laughing, crying, and sharing.
|
How do you feel when your loved one has to have a treatment change?
Hit REPLY to this email and let me know!
|
Self Preservation Tool.
Using a Long Exhale to Release Guilt
As a cancer caregiver, you may often feel that twinge of guilt whenever you take a moment for yourself.
That feeling can be overwhelming, making it hard to relax or recharge. But what if you could release that guilt in a simple, manageable way?
One effective method is using a long exhale.
It’s a breathing technique that can immediately help you clear your mind and calm your nervous system. The act of breathing in deeply and then exhaling slowly for a longer duration than the inhale activates your body’s relaxation response, helping you reduce stress and tension.
When guilt creeps in, pause and take a deep breath.
Inhale for 4 seconds and then exhale for 6-8 seconds. Focus on releasing the tension with every long exhale, imagining the guilt leaving your body.
This simple practice doesn’t just relax your body—it can also help shift your mindset. It’s a powerful way to take back control of your emotional well-being.
Remember, your own care is essential—and you deserve it, guilt-free.
Click the link below to listen to a guided square breathing exercise
|
|
|
|
I'm really happy to have you here!
|
|
|
|
This was a weekly dose of support for you... a cancer caregiver trying to learn how to support yourself so you can support your loved one. One email a week to help you learn ways to prioritize your own care and become aware of resources in the cancer community.
This newsletter and the Cancer Caregiver Podcast exist for you because... life's short, cancer sucks but you DESERVE joy! ❤️
If you'd like to explore other ways to work with me, learn how to focus on your own self-preservation, and share this message with other caregivers here are some options for you.
- 🙋🏻♀️ Take the Revive in 5 course and discover how you can transform your stress into calm and help you show up for your loved one with renewed energy in just 5 minutes a day. See if the program is the right fit for you.
- ☎️ Invite me to speak to or facilitate a workshop for your organization or group. Reach Out
|
|
|
|