When the Uniform Comes Off: Caring for the Carer

You support others day in, day out. But what happens when your shift ends? For many health professionals, the caring doesn’t stop, it simply moves into the background. That’s why creating space to care for yourself is not optional, it’s essential.​

Your needs matter as much as the people you help. Taking time to decompress, rest and recharge is how you stay well enough to do the work you love.​

Ways to care for the carer:​

• Create a ‘coming home’ routine that signals switch-off time.​

• Try mindfulness or journalling to process tough days.​

• Make space for things that bring you joy, not just rest.​

• Don’t wait for burnout to take a break.​

• Talk to a professional if your cup feels empty too often.​

  
  

Make Your Self-care Inevitable. ​

Recommended reading:​ Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? by Dr Julie Smith – simple tools for emotional resilience.​