Disability support is a rewarding-albeit-stressful job that can take its toll on the carer. And whilst the NDIS is designed to provide care for people living with a disability, it is vital that you, as a carer, have the capacity to look after yourself, too.
There are numerous ways that you can provide self-care when not working at the best disability centre Melbourne has, and these include:
Tips for managing stress
Managing stress can be one of the most difficult parts of this stressful job. But to be able to continue to do the job at such a high standard, it is important for you to be able to manage your own stress levels.
The practice of mindfulness has become increasingly popular in recent years for its ability to help manage stress. Activities like meditation, yoga, nature walking and gardening are just some mindfulness practices that can help you manage stress when not at the disability centre.
Taking time for yourself
Naturally, as a person who has enlisted to work for the NDIS, you are someone with plenty of love and compassion. Of course, you probably want to help others as much as possible, but this shouldn’t mean dismissing your own health and wellbeing – this is where the all-important concept of “me time” comes into play.
When not at work, remember to follow the other passions you have in your life: a particular sport; catching up with mates; going to the movies – these are all important things you can do to improve your health and wellbeing whilst looking after the health and wellbeing of others.
Keeping on top of relationships
People of all careers can struggle to maintain relationships when taking on a new position or experiencing increased demand in their current position. However, you shouldn’t have to suffer in silence whilst worrying your job is causing trouble in your personal life.
It’s important to maintain relationships whilst looking after others as well as ensuring you have plenty of “me time” to allow for social activities. Maybe allot a specific time in the week as the time when you can see a specific friend?
What’s more, it’s so much easier these days to get in contact with friends via phones and the internet than it was in the past. You can allot times in the week to catch up with friends via Zoom and other online platforms, as well as going the old school method of giving your friend a call!
This may be a great opportunity for you to ask a friend for help if you need it: as we said, disability support can be a trying job, and you may need some help and a friendly ear yourself to ensure that you have vented any stresses or frustrations you might be finding with the job.
Consider seeing a counsellor
If you find that your job is quite stressful and especially in a manner that makes your general life a little more stressful, then it might be a good idea to consult a counsellor to speak about your feelings and concerns regarding the job.
There are many avenues to seek counselling in Victoria, with highly trained and experienced counsellors available to help you with your concerns and stresses as well as provide techniques for managing stress now and in the future.
At the end of the day, your health is the most important thing. So, as a carer, it is vital that you take the time to care for yourself as well as enjoying some of that all important “me time”.