You cannot pour from an empty cup, and yet self-care is the first thing most caregivers drop. The National Institute on Aging is blunt about why that backfires.

Caring for someone else strains even the most resilient person, and a caregiver who runs themselves into the ground cannot keep caring well. Taking care of yourself is not selfish; it is part of the job. This guide covers the practical, realistic steps that protect your health and your stamina, the small habits that actually move the needle on stress, and the help you are almost certainly entitled to but not using.

Why Self-Care Is Part of the Job

It is easy to treat your own needs as the thing that can always wait. But the National Institute on Aging is clear that the ongoing demands of caregiving can wear down even the most capable, devoted person, and a depleted caregiver makes more mistakes, gets sick more often, and burns out faster. Protecting yourself is how you protect the person you are caring for.

If you are not sure whether you have crossed from tired into something more serious, our caregiver burnout guide covers the warning signs to watch for in yourself.

Protect Your Physical and Mental Health

Two steps make a real difference and cost almost nothing:

  • Tell your own doctor you are a caregiver. Caregiving affects your health, and your doctor can advise you on staying physically and mentally well, and watch for the toll it can take. Do not skip your own check-ups and screenings.
  • Get mental health support when you need it. If you feel anxious, frustrated, or depressed, a counselor or other mental health professional can help. These feelings are common and not a sign of failure; they are a sign of how hard you are working.

Small Habits That Lower Stress

You do not need a spa weekend to feel better. The NIA points to simple, realistic activities that lower stress, lift your mood, and make you a steadier caregiver:

  • Make time for a hobby you enjoy, even briefly.
  • Go to sleep a half-hour earlier.
  • Take a short walk outside.
  • Try a yoga class or other gentle movement.
  • Meet a friend for lunch.
  • Join a support group of other caregivers who understand.

Pick one. The goal is not to overhaul your life; it is to give yourself a small, regular reset.

Use Respite, and Ask for Help

The single most powerful self-care tool for caregivers is respite: short-term relief that gives you time to rest, travel, or just be a person again. Respite can last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks, and it can be provided at home, in a facility, or at an adult day center. Crucially, it is often free or subsidized: every state offers respite through the National Family Caregiver Support Program. See our guides to respite care and the National Family Caregiver Support Program.

And let people help. The NIA notes that many caregivers later say they did too much on their own and wished they had asked for more support, and that people often want to help because contributing feels good. Be specific about what you need, and let others carry a piece of it. If family is involved, our guide to sharing caregiving responsibilities shows how to divide the load.

Running on empty? Chat with Brevy's care navigator to find respite and support programs in your state so you do not have to carry it all alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Because the ongoing demands of caregiving strain even the most resilient person, and a depleted caregiver cannot care well. The National Institute on Aging considers taking care of yourself one of the most important things you can do as a caregiver.

Make time for a hobby, go to sleep a half-hour earlier, take a short walk, try a yoga class, meet a friend for lunch, or join a support group. Small, regular habits lower stress and improve your mood.

Yes. Your doctor can advise you on protecting your physical and mental health and watch for the toll caregiving can take. If you feel anxious, frustrated, or depressed, ask about seeing a counselor.

Use respite care, which provides short-term relief from a few hours to several weeks, at home, in a facility, or at an adult day center. Free respite is available in every state through the National Family Caregiver Support Program. See respite care.

Learn More

Find personalized help finding respite and caregiver support at brevy.com.

The information on Brevy.com is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal, financial, or medical advice. Rules vary by state and program and change frequently. Always verify with the relevant agency or a qualified professional. Brevy is not a law firm, financial advisor, or healthcare provider.

BC

Brevy Care Team

Expert eldercare guidance from Brevy's team of healthcare professionals and researchers.