Caring for the Carer
In this month of breast cancer awareness, it's been so great to have beautiful ladies worldwide sending in their variety of pushups videos for the Fitness To A Tee and Elizabeth Chanakira Cancer Trust pages. THANK YOU!!
You can still send them in until 30 October, so click here now to chat with me about sending it in. It only needs to be a maximum of 30 secs; wearing anything with pink along with one breast cancer fact of your choice.
Our ECCT Field Officer Francis Nyachowe with Aunt Lucy and the children she supports.
Let's remember our caregivers
In this post, I'm chatting about a group of people we must also fondly remember when someone's going through cancer - the caregivers or carers. They may not only care for the patient, but also for those connected to the patient e.g. the children. A "caregiver" can be a partner/spouse, family member, friend, doctors, nurses, therapists and other health etc who walk alongside the cancer patient from diagnosis and bey
At the Elizabeth Chanakira Cancer Trust ('ECCT') - we love to support the cancer patient with whatever they need in terms of medication, food and daily living needs such as transportation to medical appointments etc.
We also take a holistic approach by ensuring the immediate family members who are part of the patient's life and have to continue on when/if they pass away - have some support too. It's about doing the little we can to lift up a community.
Below is Aunt Lucy and Ethel in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. This is an example of one of our families where the immediate and extended family of the cancer patient need some support. 12 year old Ethel lost her father (Aunt Lucy's brother) to cancer several years ago. Aunt Lucy has kindly been caring for her, along with her other cousins.
Aunt Lucy is a beautiful, caring woman amd she also has alot on her plate to ensure that all the children she supports in her home are well looked after. Besides uplifting her with Ethel's school fees, we also need to remind her to find some time for herself too - even if it's at least 5 minutes per day. She can only pour from a full cup.
Caregivers - look after yourselves too
If you're a carer for a person who's going through cancer treatment or supporting people close to the patient, you're probably giving your all to them as they endure it.
It’s also important to give yourself self care.
Taking care of yourself includes nurturing your mind and body so you don't get burnt out. It may include reconnecting with what brings you energy, happiness and joy.
Self care tips
Here are some ways you can look after yourself. Remember your mental and emotional health matter. When your cup is full, only then can you pour out to others.
Eat well to nourish your body
Take time each day for at least 30 minutes movement e.g. a walk outdoors
Connect with your spiritual self
Have 5 Minutes Fun time each day: pick something you enjoy and do it for at least 5 minutes e.g. dance to a song you like
Be grateful and appreciate what you have
Take time every day to smile + laugh
Enjoy 5-10 minutes to relax, breathe deeply and be alone
Enjoy nature
Listen to music
Read a good book
Ask for help whenever you need it, including days where you need some time away
Get plenty of sleep.
To find out more about the Elizabeth Chanakira Cancer Trust, click here!
To see this week’s most popular post on Fitness To A Tee - “Pushups Guide: Advanced”, click here!