Caring is hard. And compassion fatigue is real. Take it from us; we’ve been there. Here are our thoughts on healthy ways to recover it when you’re feeling like you care too much (or don’t want to care any more) — compassion fatigue.
- Give/Get love from animals. You can adopt, of course– but you don’t have to have an animal in your home to get the love from one. You can take a neighbor’s dog for a walk, visit our cat cafe, become a volunteer or foster or employee… we have so many ways to enjoy the healing power of animals.
- Laugh. Rent a comedy. Go to a comedy. Watch a comedian. Call your funniest friend. Or gorge on funny social media accounts.
- Exercise, Dance, Walk. Also known as “move your body”! Whether it’s yoga or swimming, pickleball or ballet, find something that’s fun for you (bonus if it includes #5 or #6, too). Moving your body can help move your mind.
- Meditate, Breathe, Rest. The powers of meditation are many, and you can learn it online. Or if that doesn’t appeal to you, use a breathing technique proven to calm the nervous system or simply breathe. Or rest. You deserve a break.
- Set boundaries. It is okay to say “no.” It’s also okay to disconnect — either temporarily or permanently — from things or people that aren’t helpful to you. Honor your own needs.
- Connect with others. Consider joining a group. Reach out to those you love, even those you haven’t spoken with in a while. It’s okay to say you need help. Others want to help.
- Spend time in nature. Research shows even just a 5-minute walk in the woods can make us feel better. There is something to the phrase, “Feel the fresh air.”
- Write, Make art, Organize. Express yourself through art or organizing. Creativity and cleaning can be therapeutic.
- Exercise your brain. Puzzles and games and learning activities can get you thinking about other things, giving the parts of your brain responsible for compassion a break. Learn a new language. Play a game online. Read a book that teaches you something you’ve always wanted to know.
- Talk with someone. Informally or formally — whether with a friend or a professional — talking can help. You are not alone in this.
Your feelings are real, and you need to fill your cup back up before you can continue to help others. And we need you.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Facing personal struggles or feeling overwhelmed? Call 211 for local resources and information, or contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. There is always someone who cares for you, and help is available when you need it.