|
The Reality of Balancing It All
I know what it’s like to hold it all together when everything feels like it’s falling apart, Alison.
When my dad’s health declined, I was working a full-time job, running my own business on the side, and managing the everyday demands of family life. It felt like I was constantly racing the clock—answering emails between doctor’s appointments, taking work calls from my car in the hospital parking lot, and squeezing in client projects late at night after making sure he was comfortable.
I told myself I could handle it, that I just had to push through. But the truth? I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and deeply aware that something had to give. I wanted to be fully present for my dad, for my family, and for myself—without feeling like I was drowning in the process.
If you’re navigating the complex, emotional, and often chaotic reality of being a working caregiver, I see you. It’s not easy. But I also know that with the right shifts, it is possible to create a rhythm that allows you to show up for the people you love and yourself.
Here are five things I learned that helped me survive—and even find moments of peace—in the midst of it all.
5 Work-Life Balance Strategies for Caregivers
1. Give Yourself Permission to Set Boundaries
For a long time, I felt guilty saying no. But I learned that without clear boundaries, everything starts blending together, and burnout is inevitable.
💡 What helped me: I blocked out “do not disturb” time on my calendar—not just for work but for caregiving and rest. This gave me permission to focus fully on what needed my attention in the moment without feeling guilty about what I wasn’t doing.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for (and Accept) Help
I used to think I had to do it all myself—until I hit a breaking point. Whether it’s asking a coworker for flexibility, delegating tasks at home, or leaning on friends and family, help is a strategy, not a weakness.
💡 What helped me: My support system wasn’t just family—it was the grocery delivery guy, the friend who checked in weekly, and the manager who gave me grace when I needed it. Help can come in many forms—let it in.
3. Work Smarter, Not Harder
Time is limited, so I had to get strategic. Whether that meant batching similar tasks, using technology to automate what I could, or setting realistic expectations at work, I learned to work with my reality instead of against it.
💡 What helped me: I kept a running list of “low-energy” tasks I could tackle when I was running on fumes. That way, even on the hardest days, I could still make progress without depleting myself completely.
4. Prioritize What Actually Matters
Caregiving puts everything into perspective. The little things that used to stress me out? They didn’t matter anymore. What mattered was making memories, showing up for my dad, and finding small moments of joy.
💡 What helped me: I asked myself: If I were looking back on this time five years from now, what would I want to remember? That question helped me focus on what was truly important and let go of the rest.
5. Take Care of Yourself (Even When It Feels Impossible)
I’ll be honest—self-care felt selfish at first. But I learned that when I didn’t take care of myself, I wasn’t much help to anyone else.
💡 What helped me: Small, simple things—a deep breath, a walk outside, five minutes of quiet before bed. It wasn’t about grand gestures; it was about tiny moments of care that kept me grounded.
Final Thoughts: You’re Doing Better Than You Think
If you’re in this season of life, I want you to know: You are doing an incredible job. Even on the days when you feel like you’re falling short, you’re showing up in ways that matter.
Give yourself grace. Let go of the pressure to be perfect. And most importantly—remember that you matter in this equation, too.
✨ What’s one strategy that has helped you balance caregiving and work?
I'd love to hear from you,
Alison Nail-Malone, ACC
End of Life Doula, Grief Transformation Coach & Guide
Award Winning Most Empowering Leadership Coach for Women by AI International
Miseria I LinkedIn | Instagram | Blog | Schedule Time With Me
Office: (501) 471-0926 / Cell: (479) 879-0827
Pronouns: She/Her
|