How the RESET Health Group Course Helped Me Put Myself First as a Carer

Caring for someone you love can be incredibly rewarding – but it can also be physically and emotionally draining. For Julie, a busy and dedicated Carer, putting herself first didn’t come naturally. That changed when a fellow Carer introduced her to the free 12-week RESET Health Group course. Julie shares how RESET helped her recognise her triggers, listen to her body, and rebuild her confidence – giving her the tools for a healthier, more balanced life.

Julie’s RESET Journey

When a friend of mine, also a Carer, recommended the Reset Health Group’s free 12-week course, I wasn’t sure what to expect. (That’s me in the photo alongside other Carers who completed the programme.)

The RESET course is designed to help Carers shift their relationship with their mind, body and environment. It teaches how to recognise triggers, manage thoughts, and change the behaviours that affect our wellbeing. One of the tools we used was a TTF log – short for Trigger, Thoughts, Feelings – which helped me spot patterns in my behaviour and reactions.

I’d like to share how this course has changed my outlook and helped me to put myself first.

Putting Myself First

I like being kept busy so I don’t think that will ever change, although I do have rather a lot on my plate at the moment.  A busy life is what keeps me going and I wouldn’t want it any other way – however, I am prioritising myself more now than I use to. 

In the past, if my mind told me to go visit someone or phone them even if I was tired and shattered, I would do so just to feel like I had pleased them. If I didn’t act on my thoughts, I would feel guilty or that I was neglecting them. Now, I think about myself and my needs and if I am tired, I will not make contact and not feel guilty. Now I KNOW my needs, and my health is my priority. 

I’ve realised as a Carer, if I do not look after myself and my needs, then, I can’t be there for the people I care for. My needs and my health have to come first.

How Counselling Helped Me Re-Reflect

After completing the course, I accessed free counselling through Reset Health Group. The sessions reminded me to reflect on myself and revisit my TTF log. Looking back over it, I noticed the same unhelpful patterns emerging.

Breathe, Reflect, Listen to my Body

By looking over my TTF log, I rediscovered myself and all I needed to do is breathe, reflect, listen to my body and work on the way I react. Now when I do just that I feel less stress and less pressure – it’s like magic.

Listening to My Body

Before attending RESET, I often had headaches, palpitations, stomach upsets, and anxiety. These symptoms haven’t completely disappeared, but now I recognise what’s causing them so I feel more in control and can respond differently.

When I feel those warning signs, I pause, breathe, and think about my next steps. That small shift changes everything – I handle situations with a clearer mind and more confidence.

Rebuilding Confidence

I joined the RESET course and counselling when I hit a very low point. I needed someone to talk to who would listen without judgement.

Since then, I’ve faced challenges and made some difficult decisions – sometimes needing to be “selfish” to protect my wellbeing. But it’s made me stronger, more confident, and less negative. I can now tell myself: I am a good person. I am kind. I am strong and caring. And I believe it.

A New Start

RESET has helped me tremendously, I truly know myself – inside and out. It’s taught me to:

• Put myself first.
• Do things I enjoy.
• Appreciate the small things in life.
• Listen to my body and mind.

Because of all this, I’ve been able to RESET – and start again with a fresh outlook.

About the 12-Week RESET Course

Week 1: Introduction – Body, Mind, and Environment Connection – Vision and Goals
Week 2: RESET Model – Reset Log
Week 3: The Power of Your Thoughts – Your Mindset and The Con Artist
Week 4: Daily Routine
Week 5: Relationships and Communication
Week 6: The Gut-Brain and The Gremlins
Week 7: Grief and Lovingly Let it Go
Week 8: Environment
Week 9: ‘Just Like When’
Week 10: Release Your Power, Release Your Emotions
Week 11: Rest Mode / Sleep
Week 12: 12-Week Plan

Bold weeks are compulsory sessions.

Find out more and access the Learning Centre via the Reset Health Group website. To join the waiting list, email carers@theresethealthgroup.com or call 0121 647 9455.

Share Your Story

If you’d like to share your Carer journey and inspire others, please contact info@forwardcarers.org.uk.

Julie’s name has been changed as requested by the Carer.