So much talk in the caregiving industry is about the stress, the headaches, and the difficulties. It’s easy to overlook the fact that there’s a lot of goodness in the process too.
Helping others makes us better as a society. It feels good to offer kind words and a helping hand.
Caregiving Makes You Healthy
If you’re a caregiver, you’ve already recognized that it’s one of the most unrecognized, thankless jobs you’ll ever take on. And if you focus on that part of it, the difficulties can seem insurmountable. But if you look at it from another angle, caregiving can add so much to your life.
If you read a lot of the information posted about caring for an elderly relative, it’s easy to assume that depression and physical problems are close behind. Not so, shows a growing amount of evidence. In one study, the researchers found that caregiving actually provides more benefits than we think. Most caregivers are socially more active. They work hard to give their loved ones the best life possible. That means taking them to medical appointments, finding social activities they can do together, and reaching out for resources and a helping hand when they need it most.
Caregiving Makes You Wealthy
The true definition of wealthy is to lead a rich life; to have a lot of resources. Wealthy steps beyond monetary resources and also encompasses the fullness of your life. We’re wired to be kind. We’re wired to reach out a helping hand to those who are less fortunate than ourselves. That’s what makes humans what they are. Nothing can feel worse than becoming isolated and on your own. Through caregiving, you take on the responsibility of someone else, and it can lead to allowing your take-charge, can-do attitude to move you forward. That not only enriches your life, but the person you are caring for too.
Caregiving Makes You Wise
There’s a song by John Michael Montgomery that goes:
Life’s a dance you learn as you go
Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow
Don’t worry about what you don’t know
Life’s a dance you learn as you go
That sums up caregiving well. It comes upon you when you least expect it. And if you step up to the plate and do it well, it adds to your life in many ways. Sometimes you’ll take charge. Sometimes you’ll fall. Sometimes you’ll learn amazing things about yourself and the one you’re caring for. It’s life.
Caregiving is a natural part of our lives. It happens to all of us at some point in time. And when you step up and do it well, it can help you become your best yet.
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