3 Non-Negotiables for Anxiety Relief While Caring for Others
Hi everyone! It’s El here. I create all the illustrations, manage our social media, and support Kim with partnerships. As an over-thinker, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting (and stressing) about how to best support the people I love without losing myself to anxiety and stress. Life often feels like a constant juggling act—one moment you’re forgetting to buy laundry pods, and the next, you’re rushing down the Great Western train line for a family emergency. But here’s the thing I’ve realised: your well-being matters too. Caring for others doesn’t mean you have to run on empty. These three non-negotiables are essential for maintaining your mind, body, and soul, because you can’t pour from an empty cup!
#1 Find Pockets of Time Just for You (Even If It’s in the Bathroom!)
When you’re balancing care, work, and everything else in between, finding time for yourself can feel impossible. But it’s essential, even if all you can manage is 10 minutes sitting in the bathroom! You don’t need an hour at the spa to reset; even a small break can have a hugely positive impact on your brain and body.
My hack:
I like to change my setting briefly when I’m working—whether it’s just stepping outside, taking a toilet break, or sometimes lying on my bed. During these few minutes, I listen to our session called “Reset When You’re Overwhelmed.” It’s only six minutes and really helps me align my breathing and focus during the day. Or, I like to listen to a spotify playlist with comforting tunes. Remember, you’re not asking for much - just enough to breathe and regroup, because you deserve those pockets of calm too.
#2 Setting Boundaries: Saying No Doesn't Make You a Bad Carer
You’re probably used to saying "yes" all the time. Whether it’s taking on extra work, doing more tasks, or going above and beyond for the person you’re caring for, it’s easy to forget that you matter too.
Setting boundaries, especially with loved ones, can feel like an impossible task. The guilt kicks in, and you might worry that saying "no" makes you selfish or a bad person. But the truth is, boundaries are a form of self-care, and they’re designed to protect your mental health. Start small - say no to one extra task a week and see how much better you feel.
My hack:
If you’re a chronic people-pleaser like me, I highly recommend the session “Define Your Boundaries” in our app. In under 15 minutes, this session reminds me what it means to have those boundaries in place and also helps me honor those uncomfortable feelings that tell me something’s up.
#3 Make Self-Care a Non-Negotiable (Even If It Feels Impossible)
When you’re caring for someone else, self-care often feels like the first thing to go. But the reality is, if you’re constantly running on empty, it’s only a matter of time before your own well-being takes a hit. Making time for self-care doesn’t have to mean expensive routines or long hours at the gym. Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that offer the most relief.
My hack:
I like to start with small, manageable things—like cooking my favorite dish, sipping a sweet tea, or doodling before bed - just because it feels good. I also love listening to our session “Jaw Ease - 5-Minute Jaw Relaxation.”
I often catch myself clenching or grinding my teeth, so this session by our expert Ati is a game-changer. You might not feel like you have the time, but self-care doesn’t need to take up half your day. It’s about consistency, not quantity. Even brief moments of self-care can remind you that your needs matter too.
And so, caring for others is an act of love, but you can’t give your best if you’re running on empty. These three non-negotiables - finding time for yourself, setting boundaries, and practicing self-care are essential, not optional. Remember, it’s not selfish to prioritize your own well-being; it’s necessary. After all, the best way to care for someone else is by taking care of yourself first!
This article was written by El Elliott, the design guy at Clementine, who’s been navigating overwhelm this month.