Nurturing the Nurturer: How to Care for Yourself When You’re Always Caring for Others

Nurturing the Nurturer: How to Care for Yourself When You’re Always Caring for Others

July 11, 20253 min read

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.

Mental Strength and Resilience Coach.
Founder of Toil and Remedies

Sarah Bishop

Mental Strength and Resilience Coach. Founder of Toil and Remedies

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