3 Tips for Caregivers to Maintain a Better Work/Life Balance
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is more critical now than ever before. With 89% of the American workforce experiencing burnout within the last year, establishing solid boundaries between their personal and professional lives helps people minimize stress, foster healthier relationships, and improve their performance.
But while it might be easy for 9-to-5 employees to leave the worries of work at the office, it’s an entirely different story for caretakers. While it is an incredibly fulfilling career, caregivers work inside a client’s home, which can blur the lines between a caregiver’s work and personal life.
Balancing Work and Life as a Caregiver
So, how can in-home caregivers maintain a healthy work-life balance? Keep reading to learn three helpful tips for balancing work and life as a caregiver.
1. Plan ahead.
Every day is different in the world of home care services. In-home caregivers must be flexible but also organized. Knowing what tasks to complete takes the guesswork out of their day.
Using a planner can help you stay on track. Write down all your appointments and to-dos at the start of each week. Additionally, identify three weekly goals you’d like to accomplish. This gives you a bird's-eye view of your week and helps you better manage your time, both at work and outside of work. Achieving your goals also provides you with a sense of accomplishment.
2. Remember to separate your roles.
It’s essential to only focus on your work tasks when you’re at work. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. Many caregivers can end up blending their professional and personal roles.
Make it a priority to leave work at work. After leaving a client’s house for the day, keep all your work tasks and to-dos at their door. Don’t check your work emails or phone messages, no matter how tempting.
When you’re not working, focus on spending time with family and friends. You should also make time for yourself. Participate in activities and hobbies that bring you joy and fulfillment. Or unwind with a relaxing self-care routine like a bubble bath, meditation, or binge-watching your favorite Netflix series.
3. Ask for help when help is needed.
Caregivers often put others’ needs before their own. While noble, doing so can be emotionally draining. If you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or depressed, don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed to seek help. Consider scheduling an appointment with a therapist or joining a support group.
Numerous resources are available that help in-home caregivers live happy, healthy lives. Some of these include:
- Respite programs that provide short-term breaks to caregivers
- The Caregiver Action Network
- National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC)
Find the Perfect Balance at Visiting Angels of Tulsa, OK
Visiting Angels of Tulsa, OK, offers rewarding and exciting employment opportunities to caregivers throughout Tulsa, Owasso, Broken Arrow, Jenks, and Bixby. Our caregivers enjoy flexible schedules, competitive hourly rates, paid time off (PTO), professional development opportunities, and more.
Find the perfect work-life balance at Visiting Angels. Feel free to browse our current job openings or contact us today at (918) 609-5600 for more information.