As we start the new year, caregivers often find themselves overwhelmed with the emotional and physical stress that comes with their role. In this episode, AJ from Harambee Care offers timely advice for caregivers on how to manage stress and prioritize their well-being. Through the CARES model, AJ discusses practical tips for recognizing burnout, shifting to a mindset of self-compassion, and finding balance in a busy life. With the holiday rush behind us, this episode provides essential strategies for caregivers to embrace the new year with resilience, emotional wellness, and renewed focus on self-care.
In this post-holiday episode, Kristie and Antonia welcome Anjanette Davenport Hatter (AJ), founder and CEO of Harambee Care, to discuss how caregivers can prioritize emotional wellness and stress management as they enter the new year. AJ shares practical strategies for managing stress, preventing burnout, and integrating self-care into everyday routines. She introduces her CARES model, which focuses on mindfulness, self-compassion, easing stress, and finding balance. AJ also provides valuable advice for caregivers to start the year strong, setting realistic expectations and finding peace in the midst of their caregiving responsibilities.
Contact Information:
Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative (SRC): www.semisrc.org | Phone: (888) 341-8593
Elder Law and Advocacy Center (ELAC) : Phone: (313) 937-8291, nlsmichigan.org/elder-law/
Caregiver Conversations Podcast
Episode: Self-Care and Caregiving with Anjanette Davenport Hatter from Harambee Care
[Intro Music Fades In]
Kristie King:
Welcome back to Caregiver Conversations, where we explore the stories, insights, and experiences that matter most to caregivers. I’m your host, Kristie King, Executive Director of the Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative.
Antonia Harbin Lamb:
And I’m your co-host, Antonia Harbin Lamb, Staff Attorney at the Elder Law and Advocacy Center and Program Manager of the Great Lakes Legal Mediation Division. Today, we have a special episode with Anjanette Davenport Hatter, founder of Harambee Care, a company dedicated to promoting emotional wellness and self-care, especially for caregivers.
Kristie:
Anjanette, thank you so much for joining us today. We're excited to talk about how self-care plays a critical role in caregiving, and how it can often be neglected. Before we dive into the discussion, could you share a bit more about yourself and Harambee Care?
Anjanette Davenport Hatter:
Thank you for having me! I’m honored to be here today. As you mentioned, I’m the founder of Harambee Care, a company I created to help people prioritize their emotional wellness, particularly those who take on caregiving roles. My journey into caregiving was personal—after becoming a caregiver for my siblings, I realized the need for self-care strategies that support emotional well-being. My background is in social work, and I’ve worked with a variety of communities, focusing on trauma-informed approaches to caregiving.
Kristie:
That’s wonderful, Anjanette. You mentioned the importance of self-care, which is something caregivers often struggle with. We hear so often that caregivers neglect their own health while focusing on the needs of their loved ones. Can you talk about how stress impacts the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems in caregiving?
Anjanette Davenport Hatter:
Absolutely. When caregivers experience stress, they are often in what’s called the “fight or flight” mode, which is governed by the sympathetic nervous system. This response is meant to help us survive in acute stress situations. However, for caregivers, this can be a chronic state if they’re constantly juggling multiple responsibilities. This prolonged stress can have detrimental effects on the body, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and exhaustion.
On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for our "rest and digest" functions, which help the body recover and rejuvenate. When caregivers don’t engage in activities that activate this system, such as meditation or relaxation, they’re missing out on the body’s natural ability to reset, leading to burnout and emotional fatigue.
Antonia:
That’s really insightful, Anjanette. It's clear that understanding how our bodies react to stress is key for caregivers. With that in mind, how can caregivers recognize the signs of burnout before it gets overwhelming?
Anjanette Davenport Hatter:
Great question. Burnout often manifests in emotional, physical, and mental ways. Caregivers might start feeling more irritable, disconnected from their loved ones, or physically exhausted. Some might experience insomnia or find themselves withdrawing from social activities. Others may start neglecting their own needs, like skipping meals or not getting enough sleep. One of the most important things caregivers can do is stay attuned to these changes and not ignore them.
Kristie:
It's really important to recognize those early warning signs. Speaking of recognizing our needs, I know a big challenge for many caregivers is overcoming the guilt associated with taking time for themselves. How can caregivers overcome the guilt of self-care?
Anjanette Davenport Hatter:
Guilt is one of the most common emotions caregivers face when it comes to self-care. But it's important to recognize that taking time for yourself isn't selfish—it's essential for your own well-being and your ability to care for others. Think of it like putting on your own oxygen mask before helping others on an airplane. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to help anyone else effectively. One key strategy is reframing self-care as a necessary investment in both your health and the quality of care you provide.
Antonia:
I love that analogy about the oxygen mask. It’s such an important reminder. Now, as a caregiver, how can someone practically integrate self-care into their busy schedule, especially when they feel like they don’t have time?
Anjanette Davenport Hatter:
It’s all about small, intentional steps. Caregivers can start by carving out just a few minutes each day for themselves. This could be as simple as taking a walk, practicing deep breathing, or engaging in a hobby they enjoy. The key is consistency. If caregivers can commit to even 10-15 minutes of self-care a day, it adds up over time. Additionally, setting clear boundaries and asking for help when needed can give caregivers the space they need to focus on themselves.
Kristie:
That’s such great advice, Anjanette. And in your experience, how can caregivers build resilience, not just through self-care but by fostering a positive mindset, especially during tough times?
Anjanette Davenport Hatter:
Resilience is about adapting and bouncing back from adversity. For caregivers, building resilience involves developing coping strategies that allow them to manage stress. Practices like gratitude journaling, staying connected to supportive friends or family, and focusing on what’s going well can shift their perspective. It’s also about recognizing that it’s okay to not be okay sometimes. Resilience isn’t about being perfect; it’s about acknowledging challenges and finding ways to grow stronger through them.
Antonia:
That’s a really empowering way to look at it. Sometimes we forget that resilience doesn’t mean having all the answers but being able to move forward even when things are tough.
Kristie:
Exactly. And speaking of moving forward, could you share some of the ways Harambee Care helps caregivers build that emotional resilience and foster wellness?
Anjanette Davenport Hatter:
At Harambee Care, we focus on providing resources that empower caregivers to take charge of their emotional wellness. We offer coaching and psychotherapy, as well as an online learning platform where caregivers can access tools, exercises, and strategies that support emotional well-being. Our goal is to create a space where caregivers can not only learn how to manage their stress but also build the skills necessary to thrive, both personally and in their caregiving role.
Antonia:
That’s such an important resource, Anjanette. Thank you for sharing that. And for anyone listening today who might be struggling with caregiving or emotional stress, what’s one piece of advice you’d leave them with?
Anjanette Davenport Hatter:
I would say: be kind to yourself. Caregiving is a tough job, and it’s okay to ask for help and take breaks. Prioritize your emotional health just as much as you prioritize your loved ones’ care. Self-care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.
Kristie:
Anjanette, thank you so much for sharing your insights and expertise with us today. It’s been a true pleasure.
Antonia:
Absolutely, thank you for being here, Anjanette. We’re sure our listeners are going to walk away with a lot of valuable tools to help them care for themselves while caring for others.
[Transition Music]
Kristie:
Thank you all for tuning in to this episode of Caregiver Conversations. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with anyone who might benefit from the insights shared today.
Antonia:
We want to hear from you! If you have thoughts or stories to share, connect with us on social media or through our website.
Kristie:
Until next time, take care and keep caring!
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