The Caregiver Cup Podcast Cathy VandenHeuvel

Navigating the holiday season as a caregiver? Expand your toolkit with our personal stories and practical advice to create new holiday memories and traditions that bring joy and simplicity. As a caregiver myself, I've encountered many of the challenges and emotions that often arise during this time of year. I've learned valuable lessons along the way - from acknowledging my feelings to accepting the helping hand of a loved one. Trust me when I say, you're not alone in this journey, and this episode is designed to equip you with strategies for managing holiday stress and embracing the present.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the holiday expectations? Let's put an end to that. We cut through the noise of what 'should be' and remind ourselves to say 'no' to overwhelming expectations and 'yes' to embracing the present. Through personal anecdotes and shared experiences, we guide you on a journey towards simplifying your holiday season – focusing on creating new traditions, letting go of high expectations, and realizing that it's okay to accept help. The tips we share are not just practical, they're life-tested, helping to transform your holiday season into a time of joy rather than stress. So join, as we explore together the art of embracing simplicity and finding joy in the present.
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➡️ Get my free resource: 17 SHIFTS TO RECUDE CAREGIVER STRESS & SAY GOOD-BYE TO CAREGIVER BURNOUT If you're interested in 1:1 Coaching ➡️ schedule a 30 minute FREE chat CONNECT WITH CATHY ON INSTAGRAM @cathylynnvan for daily tips and inspiration

Ever feel like you're drowning under the weight of caregiving? We're about to throw you a lifeline. We dedicate this empowering episode to untangling the complex web of caregiving and how to properly assert yourself in this role. We elevate the discussion around setting boundaries and the crucial role of saying “no”, both for your loved one's care and, importantly, for your own wellbeing.

We kick things off by exploring the silent signals our bodies and minds send us when we've hit our limits. Then, we wade into the challenging task of setting boundaries, armed with a practical four-step process to help you address situations that overstep. But we're not stopping there. We delve into the transformative power of saying “no” and how it can serve as an empowering tool in your caregiver's toolkit. You'll leave this episode with fresh insights and actionable strategies to balance your commitment to your loved ones and your own wellbeing, all while becoming a more effective caregiver. This is not just an episode--it's a lifeline for caregivers. Grab hold and listen in.
Get my free resource:  17 SHIFTS TO TAKE CONTROL OF CAREGIVER STRESS that will take you to the best version of yourself.
Support the showThank you for listening. If you know of another caregiver who could benefit from this podcast, please copy and share this episode.

Follow me by clicking on the links below:
➡️ Get my free resource: 17 SHIFTS TO RECUDE CAREGIVER STRESS & SAY GOOD-BYE TO CAREGIVER BURNOUT If you're interested in 1:1 Coaching ➡️ schedule a 30 minute FREE chat CONNECT WITH CATHY ON INSTAGRAM @cathylynnvan for daily tips and inspiration

Imagine waking up each day with a heart filled with gratitude, even amid life's toughest moments. That's the powerful journey I embarked on back in October 2017, and it has not only helped me manage stress but also find joy in the role of caregiving. Throughout this episode, I share the transformative power of gratitude, from being grateful for small blessings to the therapeutic practice of maintaining a gratitude journal. 

Have you ever thought of thanking someone new each week? It’s a simple but powerful act of appreciation that can dramatically enrich our wellbeing. In this episode, we dive into creative practices of gratitude that can lead to sustainable happiness. I share my tested methods like morning journaling and reflecting on daily accomplishments. Drawing upon compelling evidence from Harvard and Yale, you'll learn how gratitude can rewire your brain to foster more empathy and happiness in just eight weeks.

The conversation doesn’t stop there. We explore the protective effects of gratitude against stress and its profound impact on mental health. You'll discover how focusing on positive thoughts can help you navigate the highs and lows of life, especially in challenging roles like caregiving. So, whether you're a seasoned gratitude practitioner or a curious beginner, this episode has something for everyone. Let's journey together on this transformative path towards happiness, positivity, and well-being.
Support the showThank you for listening. If you know of another caregiver who could benefit from this podcast, please copy and share this episode.

Follow me by clicking on the links below:
➡️ Get my free resource: 17 SHIFTS TO RECUDE CAREGIVER STRESS & SAY GOOD-BYE TO CAREGIVER BURNOUT If you're interested in 1:1 Coaching ➡️ schedule a 30 minute FREE chat CONNECT WITH CATHY ON INSTAGRAM @cathylynnvan for daily tips and inspiration

Did you ever imagine you'd be in this place, as a caregiver? Neither did I. As we celebrate National Family Caregivers Month, let's shine a light on the amazing work of over 50 million family caregivers across the country. Whether you're in the US or anywhere else, you deserve a virtual hug for all the extraordinary care you provide. 🤗
Picture a box arriving at your doorstep, 12x12 inches in size. Listen to the episode to find out what's inside and how these special items can help you on your caregiving journey.
To ease the overwhelming sensations that often accompany our role as caregivers, I share three gifts that you can give yourself - gifts inspired by a touching wedding ceremony in our family. These simple acts of self-care can help shift your focus, allow you to replenish your energy, and give you permission for a well-deserved break. We also delve into the importance of relishing the small moments of joy and intimacy that punctuate our caregiving journey. Together, we can find strength amid the struggles, and joy in the smallest of moments. Join me, and let's make the most of this challenging, yet rewarding journey.
Support the showThank you for listening. If you know of another caregiver who could benefit from this podcast, please copy and share this episode.

Follow me by clicking on the links below:
➡️ Get my free resource: 17 SHIFTS TO RECUDE CAREGIVER STRESS & SAY GOOD-BYE TO CAREGIVER BURNOUT If you're interested in 1:1 Coaching ➡️ schedule a 30 minute FREE chat CONNECT WITH CATHY ON INSTAGRAM @cathylynnvan for daily tips and inspiration

Have you ever felt drained and powerless after a conversation or interaction, wondering if you're being haunted by energy vampires? Or perhaps you've been the culprit of your own energy depletion? Well, you're in for a treat. We're going on a spook-tacular journey through the realm of energy vampires - those ghoulish challenges that suck the life force right out of us, leaving us feeling exhausted and less effective as caregivers. Learn to recognize these energy vampires lurking in your life; they could be that constantly negative coworker, the overly critical parent, or an incessantly inquisitive friend.

Perfect timing for Halloween, right? Hold on to your broomsticks, because we're not stopping there. We'll also explore the Energy Vampire Syndrome, a condition you might be unwittingly causing in your own life. Sharing my personal experiences, we'll explore the triggers for this syndrome and its signs - both physically, such as exhaustion, and emotionally, such as stress and anxiety. Get ready to take control, learn to protect your energy, and boost your vibration. 

Our final act involves sharing valuable tips on how to effectively deal with energy vampires! Learn to build a positive energy barrier and raise your energy vibration to ward off the negative effects of these energy leeches. We'll also cover creative ways to maintain positivity even while dealing with draining tasks. As we wrap up this thrilling episode, you'll be armed with strategies that include meditation, gratitude practices, setting boundaries, and self-care to help you navigate the spooky world of energy vampires. So get ready to step into your role as an empowered caregiver and remember, you've got this!
Support the showThank you for listening. If you know of another caregiver who could benefit from this podcast, please copy and share this episode.

Follow me by clicking on the links below:
➡️ Get my free resource: 17 SHIFTS TO RECUDE CAREGIVER STRESS & SAY GOOD-BYE TO CAREGIVER BURNOUT If you're interested in 1:1 Coaching ➡️ schedule a 30 minute FREE chat CONNECT WITH CATHY ON INSTAGRAM @cathylynnvan for daily tips and inspiration

Get ready to journey into the haunted realm of fear, as we explore not just Halloween traditions, but also the deeper, more personal fears that can creep up on us, especially as caregivers. Prepare yourselves for a chilling tale from my childhood, where a homemade witch costume won me second place in a costume contest! This Halloween, let's swap ghost stories, share our fears and carve out a path towards overcoming them, all while celebrating the spooky season.

Fear can be a daunting phantom, especially when it takes the form of caregiving challenges. From feeling underprepared and making mistakes, to the chilling grip of potential financial instability, these fears can cast long shadows. Yet, it's important to unearth these fears, as acknowledging them can lead to much-needed support. How can we differentiate between the truths and the haunting lies we tell ourselves? How can we prevent our thoughts from spiraling into the darkest recesses of our minds? These are the questions we'll grapple with in this episode.

Finally, we'll step into the light as we discuss strategies to overcome the fears that lurk in the corners of our caregiving journey. Unleashing the power of your journal, we'll create a go-to tab that will serve as your personal beacon of hope. By distinguishing fear from anxiety, acknowledging truths and reaching out for help, we can disarm the frightful specters of our minds. So, throw on your favorite costume, grab a hot mug of pumpkin spice latte, and join us for this Halloween-themed episode as we banish our fears into the night.
Support the showThank you for listening. If you know of another caregiver who could benefit from this podcast, please copy and share this episode.

Follow me by clicking on the links below:
➡️ Get my free resource: 17 SHIFTS TO RECUDE CAREGIVER STRESS & SAY GOOD-BYE TO CAREGIVER BURNOUT If you're interested in 1:1 Coaching ➡️ schedule a 30 minute FREE chat CONNECT WITH CATHY ON INSTAGRAM @cathylynnvan for daily tips and inspiration