When you become a caregiver, you become vastly aware of the physical demands.

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The moments of being spread thin, the exertion of physically lifting someone, the efforts to make sure food and bathroom needs are met, the escorting and transporting to doctor's visits, and the endless amount of advocating for someone who cannot advocate for themselves.

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🌟We can make sense of the physically draining aspect that follows.

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We can say, well of course I feel tired, I've been on my feet all day, or rushing around, or doing xyz.

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Just like when we have a good workout, that might be more intense or longer than normal, we expect to feel exhausted.

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We allow it. We perceive that it is warranted.

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🌟Yet one of the traps of being a caregiver is the lack of validation we allow ourselves to have when it is the mere mental toll taking a physical toll.

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When our emotional processing system is overloaded and we feel it physically.

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When we are drained, moving more slowly, don't feel motivated, yet the physical demands haven't increased, we might think, "What is wrong with me?"

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We tend to overlook the rest that emotional exhaustion requires.

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If you haven't allowed yourself to embrace this, here are some truths as you care for a parent:
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Watching someone who used to provide you with comfort and support, now require your support is heavy.

Watching someone who used to be physically independent become completely dependent is heavy.

Being the support for someone who used to give you support and now isn't able to provide you with much is heavy.


Mourning the loss of who someone used to be while that person is still alive is heavy.

Dealing with grief and loss while telling yourself you should be grateful they are alive is heavy.

Realizing you are now at risk for what you have seen a loved one go through is heavy.

The subconscious act of the mental replay of events that lead to the medical emergency or progression of a disease is heavy.
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Looking at someone who cannot care for themselves and seeing a glimpse of the person who used to be someone who told you everything would work out is heavy.

Trying to stay positive and believing that everything has a purpose while you watch someone you love fade away is heavy.

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Going to your job and functioning at full capacity while managing ambiguous loss is heavy.

Constantly wondering if you are doing enough to help someone whose needs seem endless is heavy.

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Mental tolls are heavy.

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And as a caregiver, you need rest. Allow your body as much time to rest as you would deem necessary with physical demands. In my experience, it's the mental burdens, the processing of mentally exhausting scenarios that have caused my body to require more rest.

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Embrace slowing down so your body can recover. It's the best way to ultimately be there for those who need you the most.

Do you need help navigating your own health while being a caregiver? Click here to set up a free consultation call today.