8-13-2024 9:48am

Burnout and How to Take Care of Yourself When You're a Caregiver Over 60

Christine Larkin Editor

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - BURNOUT AND HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF WHEN YOU'RE A CAREGIVER OVER 60

A caregiver is a person who provides physical or psychological care to someone else. Caregivers help others who aren’t able to help themselves fully on their own due to declining health, an illness, injury or an underlying medical condition. Caregiving can go on for a long time and burnout can happen when we least expect it. We tend to push ourselves, and it can be dangerous when we push too hard for too long.

Burnout means just what it sounds like. Burned out. It's a form of exhaustion caused by constantly feeling swamped. It happens when we experience too much emotional, physical, and mental fatigue for an extended period of time. If you're a caregiver over 60, then you know what I'm talking about. You may be experiencing it yourself.

My mother was healthy most of her life except for occasional episodes of what we thought were "emotional issues." She raised eight children, two with special needs. That will do it. At the time, we didn't call it burnout, but that's probably what was happening to her. Looking back, my mother was definitely experiencing acute symptoms of major stress. She ended up in the hospital a few times for rest. My siblings and I helped each other through these periods, and my Dad took control as best he could. It made us all stronger, and my mother's rest in the hospital helped her to get stronger, too. We were front and center, immersed in the human condition under extreme circumstances. We learned how to be resilient. Not everyone will require a hospital stay from burnout. If we learn the warning signs and learn how to take care of ourselves before symptoms become severe, we can prevent them from taking over and shutting us down. But let's not forget, burnout can happen to anyone in this "modern" world.

I am a caregiver, and lately, I've been feeling some symptoms of burnout. I didn't realize that this is what it is, but I know now. Caregiver burnout is a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that happens while you’re taking care of someone else. Stressed caregivers may experience fatigue, anxiety and depression. I was beginning to feel some of these symptoms. I kept asking myself, "What is wrong with me? My life is going well. I just graduated college with a Bachelor's Degree in Professional Communications that I worked very hard to obtain. I'm feeling proud and accomplished, and it's helping me with my brand. So, why these feelings?" It wasn't until a chat with my younger sister that I realized I might be experiencing burnout. Thanks, Bud.

This recent awakening has me making some changes. I'm walking more. I'm meditating daily. I'm not overscheduling. I'm saying no. I'm sleeping in on the weekend more. And I'm taking time to spend some time alone. This gives me peace of mind. There are many things we can do to reduce the risk of burnout. These are just a few things that I'm doing. You may even consider speaking to a mental health professional. I do. Don't hesitate to take action if you feel you need it.

I think one of the very best things we can do to ward off burnout is to spend time in nature. This summer, I've spent a few days alone at the beach. When I'm there, I'm free. I'm in non-thought. The combination of sky, sun, sand, and sea makes for a soothing environment that has a profound affect on my state of mind. A good friend of mine said, "I believe the secret is in the salt. It's a feeling of spiritual freedom. True self." Thanks, Lin.

Wherever you find comfort in your safe place in nature, spend more time there. This can lower your blood pressure and stress hormone levels. It can also lessen anxiety and nervous system arousal, which is what makes you feel stressed and anxious in the first place.

It takes courage to admit to yourself that you need help. That perhaps you are experiencing burnout. Caregiver burnout is very common. Studies show that more than 60% of caregivers experience symptoms of burnout. None of us want to admit defeat, but if we don't recognize the symptoms of burnout, we might find ourselves burned out and needing care ourselves. If you are a caregiver at this age, you can get more tired, run low on patience, and not feel like doing things that used to bring you joy. Early signs of burnout are warning signs that you need to pay attention to. Slow down, take stock of where you are, and change the way you're doing things. Because if you get burned out, you may have to check out. And then you won't be able to care for yourself or anyone else. Take care of you.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, taking care of ourselves first is essential so we don't get burned out when others need us the most.

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK - MESCHUTT BEACH IN HAMPTON BAYS

Meschutt Beach County Park is a stillwater, supervised bathing beach located on Great Peconic Bay, on the east side of the Shinnecock Canal. A windsurfing and sailing area is also available. This beautiful beach in the Hamptons is easily accessible. Take Sunrise Highway to exit 66 (first exit on east side of the Shinnecock Canal). At stop sign, proceed straight through intersection. Make a right turn at stop sign, and then take your first left. Park entrance will be on your right. Pack of lunch and spend the day for a splendid getaway.

For more information, visit https://suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Parks/Our-Parks/Meschutt-Beach-….

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SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear God,

May all caregivers find grace in their duties and take good care of themselves in the process so they can be of good service to others. Amen.

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What do you do for yourself while caring for others?

Please put your answer in the Reply bubble below next to the Heart. I'd love to hear from you. Thank you.

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER ME by BLOSSOM DEARIE

Lyrics

There's a saying old, says that love is blind
Still we're often told, seek and ye shall find
So I'm going to seek a certain lad I've had in mind

Looking everywhere, haven't found him yet
He's the big affair I cannot forget
Only man I ever think of with regret

I'd like to add his initial to my monogram
Tell me, where is the shepherd for this lost lamb?

There's a somebody I'm longin' to see
I hope that he turns out to be
Someone who'll watch over me

I'm a little lamb who's lost in the wood
I know I could always be good
To one who'll watch over me

Although he may not be
The man some girls think of as handsome
To my heart, he carries the key

Won't you tell him please to put on some speed
Follow my lead, oh, how I need
Someone to watch over me

ABOUT MY BRAND, SKYLARK LIVE

My Brand - Skylark Live was born out of my turning 60 and noticing a profound shift in this age. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in older age through knowledge and self-awareness. I’m in the process of formulating in-person presentations called The Skylark Sessions. These can be conducted in someone’s home, local library, or senior center.

My Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter, Skylark Live Town News, features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, motivation, music, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paying subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe: For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter!

My Monthly Vlog - My first Monday-of-the month vlog, 60 and Beyond with Skylark, is a recap of what I've written about in my newsletters throughout the previous month. Then, I introduce a unique topic for the current month's vlog. My vlog is recorded and posted on my YouTube channel as well as on my Patreon account and my social media sites. Just click my YouTube channel link below to subscribe: www.youtube.com/@christineskylark

WHERE TO SUPPORT AND FOLLOW ME

Support me on Patreon - This is where you can support my brand for just $5 a month. This enables me to carve out time to write my newsletters, create my vlogs and to expand my brand. Just click the link below: www.patreon.com/SkylarkLive

Follow me on Social Media - You can follow me on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn under my brand, Skylark Live.

Thank you for your love and support! Grazie per il vostro amore e sostegno!