When you are a natural caregiver, you are probably one of those people that will give up yourself for others and you probably hold yourself at high standards.  When you are giving, you will give to others and say yes to what people need.  When someone says something, you are probably quick to say yes, and you probably give up much of your own personal time to give to others.

When you are giving, you might find that you will give up things and time for people that are in need or for people that have problems.  You will find ways to solve their issues and will try to understand their thoughts and their feelings.  Having this gift can bring about empathy and kindness.  You are probably sensitive and have a hard time keeping up with everyone that needs your help.

Sometimes you don’t understand that you are supposed to be a caregiver, but here are some steps to lead you in the right direction.

Overwhelmed

When you feel that you are overwhelmed or frustrated because of what other people are feeling, this can mean that you meant to care for others.

Know that You’re Different

When you experience things such as being individual even in a relationship, this can show that you have desires to help others.  You are responsible for communicating with others and if you have a lot going on in your life, this can be hard.

Even if you are meant to be a caregiver, you have to learn to give for yourself as well.

Say No

When people ask you to do things and you are always working, you can say no.  Saying no does not mean that you don’t care about others, but it means that you can stand up for yourself.

You have the right to say no and you do not owe people all of your time.  You can express your feelings by telling others that you cannot do that for them.

24 Hour Rule

When you respond to people with your emotions, it can cause you to have too much on your plate.  It can be hard to do what everyone needs.  One great rule to follow is that you will give them an answer in 24 hours.  Take time to think about the request and if you have time to do it, do it only after you have thought about it.

Boundaries

When you give of yourself, you have to learn to say no and to set boundaries.  When you don’t do this, you will cause people to ask you to do too much and you won’t be able to say no.  You won’t be able to do things that you need to do and life will become difficult.

Challenge

When you are wanting to hold yourself at a high standard, do this by being able to say no.  If you have to always give to people, does that make you a good friend?  This could be seen from a different perspective.  If you have a real friend, should they always be asking you to do things for you, even when you are struggling?  You should never have to feel bad when you can’t do something for someone.

Think about what people have asked you to do.  If you tell them no, are they still kind to you?  Are they still your friend?

Struggling

If you feel guilty when you can’t do what someone wants you to do, this is a problem.  You should be able to say no without feeling bad.  Don’t fall back into doing everything people ask you.

Help

It is hard to ask for help when you are always doing for people, but you need to do this sometimes.  If you become overwhelmed, ask your friends or family to help you.  Ask them to share your tasks with you.

Learn to say no and to not feel bad.  Learn to have priorities for yourself before you make others a priority.  Be flexible with yourself.

There are times that you won’t be able to give of yourself and you need to be able to have these days without feeling bad for it.  Focus on what life is all about and be true to yourself and others.  When you are true to yourself, you will feel connected to your body and your spirit.