Prioritize yourself: Self-care tips for breast cancer caregivers

This guide, created with input from our LBBC advocates, is a gentle reminder that caring for yourself is just as important as caring for your loved one. It’s okay to ask for help and to make space for your own needs.

1. Recognize you have a journey, too

Caregiving is its own journey that changes over time, and it’s important to acknowledge that it can sometimes feel like too much. It’s okay to feel stretched thin. You might be managing appointments, treatments, and daily responsibilities, but remember you matter, too. Be gentle with yourself, and celebrate the small victories, knowing that you’re making a meaningful difference every day, even when things feel tough.

2. Find balance in caring for yourself

Caring for yourself is not selfish—it’s essential. When you prioritize your own well-being by making time for the basics like eating nourishing meals, moving your body, and getting enough rest, you’re in better shape to support your loved one. Don’t forget to keep up with your own healthcare, too. Try following G.R.A.P.E.S.—Gentle, Relax, Accomplishment, Pleasure, Exercise, and Socialize—as a simple guide to finding balance in your day-to-day life.

3. Put cancer in its place

While cancer might feel like it’s taken over every part of you and your loved one's life, it doesn’t have to define who either of you are. Try to move it to the background when you can. Journaling may help you sort through your feelings and give you a space to reflect on your caregiving experience. You can learn more about expressive writing here.

Remember, cancer is not the whole story. You and your loved one are so much more than this illness.

4. Build self-care strategies

The weight of caregiving can feel like too much at times. That’s why it’s essential to practice self-care, even in small doses. Write down your thoughts, take a walk, or find a creative outlet. When Miranda Gonzales, an LBBC Young Advocate diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in 2016, encouraged her husband to find an outlet, he resisted at first, but soon found that working out at the gym gave him more than physical strength. Says Miranda, “Going to the gym meant he had time to get away from everything and just focus on himself and get everything out.”

These simple acts can give you the strength to keep going when things feel heavy. Use this guide to build a go-to tool-kit of self-care strategies.

5. Let others help

You are not alone in this. It’s okay to let others step in and support you, even if it’s something small like picking up groceries or sitting with your loved one while you rest. After Camille Lewis was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, she initially had one set of caregivers but soon welcomed additional support. Create a list of ways people can help and remember that accepting help is an act of strength, not weakness.

6. Stay connected

It’s natural to feel isolated in your caregiving role, so reaching out for connection is vital. Whether it’s talking to a friend, joining a faith community, or finding a support group—these relationships can remind you that you’re not in this alone.

Joining a caregiving group, either in person or online, allows you to share your experiences with others who truly understand. There’s comfort in knowing someone else gets what you’re going through.

7. Care for your emotional and mental health

Caregiving stirs up a complex range of emotions, from love and gratitude to frustration and sadness. These feelings are valid. Give yourself permission to feel them without judgment.

If it all feels too heavy, it’s okay to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can offer you a space to talk about the unique challenges of caregiving.

8. Take control where you can

Sometimes, the uncertainty of cancer can feel overwhelming, but taking control of small areas of your life can make a big difference. Nothing is too small, but don’t forget all aspects of your whole self. Whether it’s about writing down questions before appointments or being clear about what support you need from others and delegating tasks accordingly, you will likely feel more empowered. Lean on meditation, prayer, or quiet reflection to find strength.

Breathing exercises can also be a helpful tool in managing stress. Try simple techniques, such as those outlined by Lindsay Vlaminck in her blog, to calm your mind and center yourself.

Break down your needs, your way, into small steps. By concentrating on what you can control, you can feel better.