3 Ways to Support a Loved One Without Burning Out
Caring for someone and spending time with someone are some of the most meaningful things you can ever do. But let’s be real, sometimes it can feel like you’re trying to pour from a teacup that keeps tipping over. I always remind caregivers…your own wellness matters just as much as theirs. You cannot fully care for someone if your cup isn’t full.
As an OT, I do see this very often. The strongest caregivers are the ones who care for themselves just as fiercely as they care for anyone else. Here are the top 3, most grounded and realized ways to support someone you love without losing yourself in the process.
Protect your energy the way you’d be protecting something precious.
Build in non-negotiable personal time each day (even 15 minutes)
Create a simple morning/evening that replenishes you
Set a boundary around what you can realistically help with each week
Share the Load Instead of Carrying the Whole House on Your Back
Ask someone else to take one task off your plate
Rotate responsibilities weekly with family or friends
Use professional support when appropriate (with our free consult services, this is something we can help guide you through!)
Communicate Early, Clearly, and With Compassion
Be honest about your capacity
Create a shared plan for what support can look like
Check in regularly, “What’s helping? What isn’t? How are we both feeling?”
If you are supporting someone you love, you’re already doing something extraordinary. But extraordinary doesn’t mean endless. Let me be the one to tell you: You are allowed to rest, take breaks, ask for help, and care for yourself with the same tenderness you give to everyone else. When you care for you, it will truly transform the lives of the people you love. I will always be here to support you at Balanced Living.
