I am overwhelmed taking care of a loved one. How do I keep up with my church responsibilities?

Woman praying with children

The day-to-day strain of providing care can lead to physical and emotional fatigue, which can affect the well-being of family members. It is important that you find ways to take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Our Savior lovingly invites us:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30).

If you prayerfully seek the Lord’s help, you can find the strength to balance life’s demands. Here are a few tips to consider as you find ways to care for yourself:

• Daily prayer and scripture study. “Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good” (Alma 37:37). Make scripture study a personal pursuit. Use the Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families manual as you study the scriptures. This will help you and your family “learn doctrine, strengthen faith, and foster greater personal worship” (Russell M. Nelson, “Opening Remarks,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 8).

• Maintain an eternal perspective. When you look at your life from an eternal perspective, you can take strength in knowing that challenges in this life are temporary. As the Lord told the Prophet Joseph Smith concerning his challenges, “thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment” (Doctrine and Covenants 121:7).

• Live the gospel. By living the gospel daily, you can have the Holy Ghost to strengthen and comfort you.

• Ask for help. It’s important to share the burden that sometimes comes from being a caretaker. Asking for help may be difficult, but it is a necessary part of taking care of yourself. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your ministering brothers and sisters and local leaders for help. You are not expected to do everything alone.