How to Care for a Loved One While Growing Your Complementary Health Business: Strategies for CMA Members
Being a carer for a loved one is a role filled with immense compassion, love, and sacrifice. But when you’re also trying to build or grow your complementary medical business, whether that’s a private practice or a training school, it can feel as though you’re constantly juggling two demanding and emotionally intense worlds. In this article, I want to explore helpful strategies that really work when it comes to ‘Caring for the Carers’.
As a member of The Complementary Medical Association (CMA), you’re likely deeply committed to both caring for others and fostering a natural health business that supports clients on their wellness journeys. But when you’re a carer, the energy, time, and emotional resilience required to manage both responsibilities can quickly drain your resources. This article delves into the challenges CMA Members face when they take on dual roles and offers practical advice on how to safeguard your own health and wellbeing to prevent burnout and maintain momentum in your business.
The Hidden Strain of Caring for Others
Caregiving is often described as a “labour of love,” but the reality is that it can place an immense strain on carers. Research shows that long-term caregiving can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion, a condition often referred to as “compassion fatigue”. While caregivers are naturally inclined to prioritise the needs of others, constantly pushing aside their own health can lead to “burnout”. You might like to read our helpful article on burnout here.
Common signs of caregiver burnout include:
– Chronic fatigue and insomnia
– Anxiety or depression
– Compromised immunity and increased susceptibility to illness
– Feelings of resentment or emotional numbness
– Difficulty concentrating on work or other responsibilities
For CMA Members, the added responsibility of running a complementary health business, where your role is to help others achieve wellness, can amplify the risk of burnout. The result? Not only is your caregiving compromised, but your ability to build and grow a thriving business may suffer.
Practical Strategies for Self-Care and Business Growth
The demands of caregiving and growing a natural health business don’t have to be mutually exclusive. With some strategic adjustments, you can successfully navigate both worlds while prioritising your own health and wellbeing. Here are some practical strategies for CMA Members who are also carers:
1. Set Boundaries for Your Time
It can feel nearly impossible to set boundaries when you’re a caregiver, but it’s essential for your own mental health and the success of your business. Try to allocate set times for your caregiving duties, your business work, and most importantly, self-care. Establish a daily or weekly schedule that includes time for client consultations, business development, and uninterrupted moments for yourself.
Use tools like time-blocking apps or simple to-do lists to ensure you’re not overloading your day. Personally speaking, I have to put everything in my diary so that I can see, at a glance, exactly what my commitments are for the day – business or caring-wise, so that I can pace myself and conserve my energies. Remember, it’s not selfish to carve out time for yourself – it’s essential.
2. Prioritise Your Health and Wellbeing
As a CMA Member, you already know the importance of holistic health. But too often, carers neglect their own health while looking after others. Make your wellbeing a priority by incorporating small, manageable self-care practices into your day. This could include:
– Daily Movement: Whether it’s yoga, a walk in nature, or stretching between caregiving tasks, movement helps release built-up tension and boost energy levels.
– Mindfulness: Practices like meditation or breathwork can help manage the emotional strain of caregiving. Try incorporating short, mindful pauses throughout your day to check in with yourself and recharge.
– Nutrition: Eat nutrient-dense foods that support energy and immunity. When time is tight, consider meal prepping healthy snacks and meals to ensure you’re nourishing yourself even during busy days.
– Sleep: Prioritising rest is crucial. Consider adopting sleep-supportive habits such as Yoga Nidra, a practice designed to foster deep relaxation and recovery.
3. Seek Support and Delegate
You are not alone. Reach out to support networks – both personally and professionally. If possible, enlist the help of family members or professional caregivers for respite care. In your business, consider outsourcing tasks that drain your time, such as bookkeeping, marketing, or administrative work, so you can focus on high-impact areas like client care and business growth.
Being part of The Complementary Medical Association gives you access to a network of like-minded professionals who can provide advice and support. Don’t hesitate to tap into this resource – you’ll find others who have been in your shoes and can offer valuable insights. The CMA’s Facebook Group is ideal for this as it is a closed group – so no one outside our group can see what we talk about.
4. Focus on Slow, Sustainable Growth
When you’re balancing caregiving responsibilities, it’s essential to adopt a mindset of ‘slow and sustainable growth’. This may mean focusing on one area of business development at a time. Perhaps you want to attract new clients through online marketing, launch a new course, or develop new therapeutic offerings. Break these larger goals into smaller, achievable steps to avoid overwhelm.
Remember, it’s not about how fast you grow – it’s about building a sustainable business that supports both your clients’ health – and your own.
Recognising When You Need Professional Help
If you find that caregiving is becoming too overwhelming, or that the strain is significantly impacting your business, it may be time to seek professional support. Speaking to a therapist or counsellor who specialises in caregiving stress can be immensely helpful in managing the emotional toll and finding balance. There are also excellent resources available through caregiver support organisations.
For additional reading, consider these resources:
– Compassion Fatigue: Signs and Recovery
– Holistic Self-Care Strategies for Caregivers
Final Thoughts: Embracing Self-Compassion
Remember, being a carer and a business owner requires immense strength, and it’s easy to forget that you need care, too. Practice self-compassion – give yourself permission to rest, seek help when needed, and move forward at a pace that respects your own wellbeing. With the right strategies, you can continue to care for your loved one while building a thriving, meaningful business in complementary health.
At The CMA, we’re dedicated to supporting your journey, both as a carer and as a business owner. If you need further support or guidance, please reach out to us – we’re here to help you thrive.
This article, by Jayney Goddard MSc, PG Dip Ed, FCMA, President, The CMA, is presented as part of The CMA’s Natural Health Business Growth and Support Initiative.