What Is Sustainable Caregiving?
By Padma Gordon
Caregiving asks a lot of you. Whether you’re supporting a child, a partner, a parent, or another loved one, your days can quickly become centered around someone else’s needs. In this week’s Women’s Empowerment Circle, we explored what it means to make caregiving sustainable. The question we began with was simple: what is self-care? It’s not a luxury or something you get to later, it’s the foundation that allows you to keep showing up.
Self-care starts with awareness. Are you noticing when you’re depleted, or pushing past the signals your body and mind are sending? One of the most effective ways to practice self-care is through micro-moments, small pauses throughout your day that help you reset. A few deep breaths, a moment of stillness, or stepping outside can go a long way. These small “sips” of pause build sustainability. You might also create non-negotiable appointments with yourself and honor them. Setting boundaries, both internally and with others, is essential and remember self-care is not selfish. It’s how you honor that you matter too.
It can be powerful to reconnect with what supported you before caregiving became such a central role in your life. What brought you joy or peace, and how can you gently weave that back into your life now? Notice your inner dialogue as well. If negative self-talk arises, interrupt it and ask whether how you’re spending your time is aligned with what truly fulfills you. Caregivers often fall into the habit of putting themselves last, and shifting that pattern—little by little—allows you to show up more fully for everyone, including yourself.
Finally, come back to the basics: get good rest, nourishing food, movement, time in nature, and moments of mindfulness. Let yourself receive support when it’s offered, knowing that it’s a gift for both you and the giver. Stay present for the small moments and enjoy a drive, notice beauty around you, or take a minute to remember a time you felt at ease. Seek out community, especially with people who understand your experience. You don’t have to do this alone. Sustainable caregiving begins with caring for yourself, too. We can’t wait to meet you.
Coming Up Next Week: Gratitude: Tending to the Garden of Your Relationship (Stage 4: Full-time care)
How has your primary relationship been impacted by becoming a caregiver? Are you able to spend quality time together and share your gratitude for the things you appreciate about each other? When you focus on expressing your appreciation, relationships thrive. The first step is to acknowledge and appreciate yourself for who you ARE and all the ways you show up for your family. Appreciation is one of the important ways we take care of ourselves and each other, yet so often, we focus on what isn’t working rather than celebrating what is. Join us to learn communication tools to support self-love and foster healthy relationships with the important people in your life.
Please Join Us for the Women's Empowerment Circle every Tuesday at 10am PST.
You may not realize how much you need the Raregivers community until you find it.
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84782918881
We look forward to being with you.
