Many people are drawn to the helping professions as it fits their personalites, they like to help and the work brings meaning and purpose to their lives.  It is who they are and they wouldn't want to do any other kind of work, it suits them well.  For some, a caring role has come into their lives as a result of a loved one needing their help.  Either way, taking care of another person, or a lot of people can bring great satisfaction.  It can also feel really challenging some days, there can be a sense of frustration, overwhelm and guilt.

Often, as a helper, your own needs get pushed down the list or ignored completely.  The people you're caring for take priority, it feels right to put them first and to make them the priority, it seems appropriate to do that, they're in your care.

On the days when work feels hard, you're tired and busy and the to do list feels never-ending, how do you respond?  Is the temptation to push through, work harder, maybe to start earlier or stay later to finish up.  Does taking a break feel a bit selfish, do you recognise what you're needing - have you got so busy you forgot to have lunch some days?

Can you check in with yourself, notice how you're feeling - it doesn't need to take more than a few seconds - just that little pause to see where you're at - caring for yourself as much as you're caring for them - not more but equal.  From noticing, you can decide what to do next, do you need a quick walk round the block or a glass of water?  Offering yourself a little kindness - no wonder I'm fed up, I haven't stopped since 8am - I'm going to take 5.  Giving yourself a breather, even if it is only to acknowledge that today is extra busy and that you're having to double down - there isn't always time to stop - but noticing it, acknowledging and then deciding to slow down a tiny bit - it can help reduce the frustration a little.

Noticing is the first step - taking just that tiny pause to check in.  Try it, see how it feels.