Looking after yourself

It can be difficult to find the time to look after your own health and wellbeing when you are trying to balance the demands of your job with your caring responsibilities. Maintaining your fitness and eating healthy foods will help you cope with the demands of both roles.

Tips for working carers

• Talk to your employer about flexible working arrangements, job-sharing or reducing your work hours.
• If you feel guilty about working, focus on the rewarding and satisfying aspects of both your caring role and your job.
• Share your feelings with family, friends, workmates or a counsellor.
• You may be able to talk to a counsellor through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), either through your workplace, a family member’s workplace or the workplace of the person you are caring for.
• Accept help from your workmates and friends when it is offered. Apps like Gather My Crew can help organise co-workers or friends.
• Try to take some time out for yourself each day.
• Plan respite care in advance so you can have a break.
• Look after your health and wellbeing by eating well, seeing your doctor when you need to and trying to get enough sleep each night.
• Try some complementary therapies, such as massage, relaxation or meditation. For relaxation exercises, listen to our Finding Calm During Cancer podcast. Call Cancer Council on 13 11 20 for information and support.
• Shop online to save time and energy.
• Stay involved in activities you enjoy. It’s a good stress relief and will give you something else to think and talk about aside from caring.
• For more tips on combining your work and caring roles, visit Carer Gateway and search for “Working while caring”.

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Podcast: Relaxation and meditation

Listen to more of our meditation and relaxation podcast for people affected by cancer