When Caregiving Hurts: Protecting Your Health While Caring for Others with Sabrina Ciceri - Episode 145
Are you giving so much to others that you are neglecting yourself?
In this poignant episode of the Caregiver Relief Podcast, Diane welcomes Sabrina Ciceri, a multifaceted author, wellness advocate, and devoted mother of six. With a unique background as a nurse in long-term care, a certified fitness instructor, and a foster parent, Sabrina brings a wealth of experience regarding the physical and emotional toll caregiving takes on the body and soul.
Together, Diane and Sabrina dive deep into the reality of caregiver burnout, the decline of holistic support in modern healthcare, and the vital importance of putting your own oxygen mask on first.
💡 Episode Highlights
The Decline of "Tender Loving Care" in Nursing Diane and Sabrina reminisce about the "old days" of nursing, where back massages and thorough skin checks were standard practice. They discuss how modern staffing shortages have made it difficult for professionals to provide holistic care, shifting a heavier burden onto family caregivers.
Recognizing the Signs of Burnout Sabrina shares striking patterns she has witnessed, such as spouses forfeiting their own lives to care for a partner with Alzheimer's. Caregivers often neglect their own nutrition—either losing weight or gaining it through stress eating—and some even turn to substances to numb the pain.
The "Oxygen Mask" Mentality You cannot pour from an empty cup. Sabrina emphasizes that caregivers must shift their mindset to realize that taking care of themselves is a necessity, not a luxury. By taking short breaks—even just an afternoon off—caregivers return to their loved ones stronger, better, and more connected.
Movement is Medicine 🚶♀️ As a fitness instructor, Sabrina explains that physical activity is vital for emotional resilience and curing anxiety. Diane adds that you don't need a full gym session; even a 10-minute walk in the sunshine or deep cleansing breaths can ground you and change your perspective.
The Art of Receiving Help One of the biggest hurdles for caregivers is accepting help without controlling how it is done. Diane shares a story about a friend who reloaded the dishwasher after being helped, noting that such behavior demeans the helper. The advice? If someone offers help, say yes, and accept their effort with gratitude rather than criticism.
📚 Resources & Links
- Guest: Sabrina Ciceri
- Book: If It’s Not One Thing, It’s A Mother – A blend of humor, honesty, and heartfelt reflection.
- Website: sabrinaciceri.com
💭 A Final Thought for Caregivers
Diane reminds us that caregiving is a marathon, not a sprint. If you are feeling empty today, start small: hydrate, get 10 minutes of sun, or watch a funny show like I Love Lucy to find some laughter.
"You are the most important part of the caregiving equation. Without you, it all falls apart. So please learn to practice self-care every day because you are worth it." — Diane
Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to like, share, and comment to help us reach more caregivers who need hope! ❤️
Caring for a loved one can be overwhelming — but you're not alone. If you have questions, big or small, our expert team is here to help.
👉 Click here to Ask the Expert
Our Resource section can help you find the information and tools that you need. We have courses, videos, checklists, guidebooks, cheat sheets, how-to guides and more.
You can get started by clicking on the link below. We know that taking care of a loved one is hard work, but with our help you can get the support that you need.
Click here to go to Resource Section now!
