Carer Wellbeing: Self-Care Strategies for Mental and Physical Health
Being a carer is one of the most rewarding professions - but it can also be one of the most demanding. Whether you’re a self-employed carer, live-in carer, or providing home care for older people, the role requires both emotional strength and physical stamina.
Too often, carers put their own well-being last. Over time, this can lead to carer burnout, stress, anxiety, or even physical health problems that make it harder to keep doing the work you love. Prioritising your own self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s essential for delivering safe, sustainable, and compassionate care.
Why Carer Wellbeing Matters
Carers frequently work long hours, travel between clients, and support people with complex needs. For self-employed carers, there may be no structured breaks, sick pay, or workplace wellbeing schemes. Without conscious strategies, this can increase the risk of fatigue and stress.
Research shows that carers who take time for mental health support, rest, and physical activity are better able to manage emotional challenges, reduce injuries, and maintain resilience in their role.
Practical Self-Care Strategies for Carers
- Schedule recovery time
Where possible, plan short breaks between visits or after long shifts. Even a short pause to eat, stretch, or hydrate helps prevent exhaustion. - Prioritise movement and sleep
Care work keeps you active, but focused exercise - such as yoga, stretching, or light strength training - can protect against back injuries and stress. Good sleep hygiene, like keeping a consistent bedtime, is just as vital. - Set emotional boundaries
Supporting clients often means sharing in their struggles. Journaling, supervision, or talking with fellow carers can help you process emotions without carrying them alone. - Stay connected
Self-employed care can feel isolating. Join local carer networks, peer groups, or online communities to share experiences and reduce loneliness. - Seek professional support early
Stress, anxiety, or low mood are common. Speaking with a GP, counsellor, or mental health professional can help prevent issues from escalating.
Support Services for Carers
Carers don’t need to face challenges alone. A range of services and charities provide financial, emotional, and professional support:
- The Care Workers’ Charity – crisis grants, mental health resources, and wellbeing support for paid carers.
- Carers UK – advice lines, online forums, and advocacy for unpaid and professional carers.
- Local authority carer services – many councils provide respite opportunities, workshops, and community groups.
- Introductory agencies like Gladys – we support self-employed carers with insurance, client introductions, and resources tailored to independent work.
Building a Sustainable Career in Care
Caring for others requires compassion but, it also requires resilience. By prioritising your own wellbeing, you can reduce stress, prevent burnout, and continue supporting families with patience and empathy.
At Gladys, we believe carer wellbeing is the foundation of quality home care. That’s why we offer guidance, resources, and a supportive community for our Helpers, as well as the families they care for.
If you’re a self-employed carer in Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset, or other parts of the South West, find out how Gladys can help you thrive in your role.
