Emotional support and breaks for you

It isn't easy to find little ways to get a break for yourself when you're caring for your spouse with cancer. But taking an occasional short break will help you to be a better caregiver by reducing the stress of caregiving on you.

Suggestions for short breaks:

  • Walk (preferably outside): The fresh air and physical activity will help clear your head and get your blood flowing.
  • Nap: You will often be tired, so whenever you possibly can grab a short nap, take it. A great time for a nap is when your spouse has visitors who can sit with him/her while you nap in the next room. In this way, someone is with your spouse, and you're not far away in case you're needed.
  • Exercise: Join a gym, or take a walk or jog a couple of times a week with a friend. Exercise is good for you, and spending time somewhere else will allow you to clear your head.
  • Go out: Grab a coffee or a beer with a good friend who will let you talk truthfully about how YOU feel and what YOU are going through. You need to be able to get your feelings out in a setting that feels safe.
  • Do a repetitive activity: Sometimes doing a repetitive activity can help you to relax a bit, even if you can't take a full break. Activities such as knitting or crocheting, doing a large jigsaw puzzle, going to the grocery story, etc. can help keep you busy while relaxing your mind.

If you need a longer break, or if the caregiving that your spouse needs is continual and intense, you may find that you need relief care for your spouse. You could have a friend or family member take over for a couple of hours a week. Some insurance plans will cover nursing aides to come in occasionally for a few hours. Again, it can be difficult to let go of control for your spouse's care for just a few hours, but it will be better for you to take breaks when you need them, allowing you to be more patient and care for your spouse for longer periods of time.