Nurturing the Nurturer: How to Care for Yourself When You’re Always Caring for Others
By Sarah Bishop
Mental Strength and Resilience Coach at Toil and Remedies
Empowering women to navigate disability, caregiving, and personal growth through resilience coaching and NDIS-supported healing programs.
🧭 When Caring Leaves You Drained
You’re the one people call when something needs fixing.
You’re the calendar keeper, appointment booker, advocate, and cheer squad.
You juggle:
Family
Life
Maybe work
And often the demands of navigating NDIS plans and supports
You’re always there for everyone else.
But here’s the question:
Who’s there for you?
This month, let’s talk about nurturing the nurturer—
because whether you’re:
An unpaid carer
An NDIS participant
Or someone supporting a loved one through complex needs...
👉 Your needs matter too.
And here’s the truth:
Nurturing yourself doesn’t have to be a burden.
It can be gentle, grounding, and even a little bit magical.
🌿 Step 1: Acknowledge That You’re Worth Nurturing
Let’s be real:
So many of us in the caring space feel like our own needs come last.
We say:
“I’ll rest after this plan review.”
“Once the therapy sessions are sorted, then I’ll look after me.”
But here’s the shift:
Nurturing isn’t something you earn — it’s a right.
You’re not being selfish —
you’re being sustainable.
☕ Step 2: Create a Pocket of Peace Every Day
One of the most powerful habits I’ve built?
Finding a 10-minute pocket of calm in my day.
Simple, nurturing moments:
A cuppa on the front step
Crocheting one row before bed
Journaling while my cat purrs in my lap
These aren’t grand gestures.
They’re tiny whispers of care that gently say:
I see you, and you matter.
“Nurturing yourself is not selfish — it’s essential.”
– Sarah Bishop
🤝 You Deserve to Feel Held, Too
🧩 Step 3: Use Your NDIS Support for You, Too
If you're navigating the NDIS system,
you’ve likely become a professional juggler.
But guess what?
Nurturing can live here, too.
Here’s how:
Use your support worker time to take a breather, walk, or explore a hobby
Ask your plan manager or support coordinator about options like:
Art therapy
Gardening
Music
Social connection groups
💡 These are valid, funded supports for a reason.
You deserve to access them for your wellbeing, too.
🌸 Step 4: Reconnect With Your Joy
When was the last time you felt joy just for you?
Not relief that an appointment went well.
Not pride in someone else’s progress.
But real, personal joy.
Joy is part of nurturing.
It might look like:
Listening to your favourite audiobook
Dancing in the kitchen
Planting a herb garden
Whatever lights you up — go toward it.
It matters.
You hold so much — emotionally, mentally, logistically.
It’s no surprise that you feel drained at times.
But here’s what you need to hear:
You don’t have to carry it all
without care for yourself.
This month, make space to nurture the nurturer.
Even if it’s just five minutes.
You’re allowed.
You’re worthy.
And it all begins with one small yes to yourself.
“Taking care of yourself doesn't mean me first, it means me too.”
— L.R. Knost
By Sarah Bishop
Mental Strength and Resilience Coach at Toil and Remedies
Helping women thrive through personalised healing and NDIS-supported coaching.
