A Season of Caring Podcast

Manjeet Singh

Rayna Neises Episode 223

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What happens when a healthcare professional becomes the patient, then becomes a family caregiver? Manjeet Singh's remarkable journey offers a powerful perspective on caregiving that few can provide.

Manjeet joins us to share his transformative path from being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at age 20 and losing his colon to becoming a registered nurse with over 15 years of critical care experience. His story takes a deeply personal turn as he recounts caring for his mother during her battle with a rare brain tumor—a seven-month journey that reinforced his belief that caregiving requires both professional skill and profound love.

"We cannot pour from an empty cup," Manjeet reminds us, highlighting the paradox that caregivers face: dedicating themselves to others often at the expense of their own wellbeing. Drawing from his professional expertise and personal experience, he introduces his revolutionary S.L.E.E.P framework—a practical approach to holistic wellness covering Sleep, Limits (boundaries), Vitality, circadian rhythm, and hydration. What makes his approach so valuable is its simplicity and integration with natural rhythms, making it accessible even within the constraints of demanding caregiving roles.

The conversation takes a spiritual turn as Manjeet shares the intimate moments of reading scripture and holding his mother's hand during her final days. These poignant memories underscore his philosophy that caregiving isn't just about completing tasks but about being present with genuine love—echoing Mother Teresa's wisdom that "it's not how much you do, but how much love you put into doing." For caregivers struggling with burnout or losing sight of purpose, this perspective offers renewed meaning and connection.

Ready to transform your caregiving journey? Manjeet is offering podcast listeners free access to his wellness program for up to five family members at healthcareheroes.global. Listen now to discover how to care deeply for others while nurturing your own wellbeing.

Rayna Neises: [00:00:00] Hi, this is Rayna Neises, your host for A Season of Caring Podcast where we share stories of hope for family caregivers breaking through the busyness and loneliness of caregiving to see God even in the midst of your caregiving season. I'm excited to have you here today with us, and I'm looking forward to introduce you to Manjeet Singh. Manjeet is a registered nurse and founder of Healthcare Heroes, PLLC, and the creator of the Five Undeniable Laws of Holistic Health and Wellness. A life-changing framework that helps people reform balance through sleep, boundaries, vitality, rhythm, and hydration. With over 15 years of hands-on nursing experience in critical care settings, Manjeet blends clinical wisdom, faith and lived experiences to help caregivers and professionals live with clarity and peace.

Now, based in Frisco, Texas, he leads workshops and creates wellness tools for hospitals, schools, and [00:01:00] corporations. His mission is simple, yet powerful to reconnect people with the healing rhythms. God designed in nature. Manjeet believes caregiving is a calling and no one should answer the call at the cost of their own health.

Welcome, Manjeet. It's so good to have you here today.

Manjeet Singh: Rayna, thank you so much for having me and uh, bless you.

Rayna Neises: So tell us a little bit about how caregiving has impacted your life.

Manjeet Singh: So Rayna I'll, I'll like to take you a little years back. When I came to United States, I was a young kid, just had turned 20. And, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and I

Rayna Neises: Hmm.

Manjeet Singh: lived that life for a long time. So that is how I came to experience that early. in my life, what it be like to be a patient and I fought a very good fight. But ultimately, in my mid to end twenties, I lost my colon. So it's my personal journey that I have lived. But I want to tell [00:02:00] you what a great country we live in here in the United States of America. Even with my ostomy, I applied to be a nurse and with the university of Texas Arlington, I got accepted. I did my nursing there and I became a nurse and I did my nursing with ostomy. So that's the little personal experience from a patient to a nurse.

Rayna Neises: Yeah, so caregiving looks like you've been the recipient and then been in a professional role of caring. I know it's also impacted you on a personal level.

Manjeet Singh: Yes, it did. Out of nowhere, my mom, she was with a very good health. No sneeze, no cough, perfect health, right? And one time she had a fall. We took her and it's just happened, last year, 2024, we took her to the hospital, came to realize that she has a very huge brain tumor and,

Rayna Neises: Hmm.

Manjeet Singh: it was one of the cancer that was very rare. There's no treatment. Doctors told us three months, [00:03:00] but, by the grace of God, extended four more extra months. We were able to enjoy her presence in our life for good seven months. But, God took her home last year, July 26th, 2024. So that was the personal journey that became like not being a nurse, but from. Son to a mom, you know?

Rayna Neises: Yes.

Manjeet Singh: So, yeah, that's very personal.

Rayna Neises: Yeah, I hear professional caregivers say all the time that you. Our professional nurses or doctors, whatever, in those roles that when it becomes your loved one, it's a whole different experience. And so I think that's part of why it's so important to me to have caregivers on the podcast, sharing with caregivers, because we can have a whole lot of head knowledge, but when it hasn't hit our heart yet, it's a whole different ballgame.

So I appreciate both your professional experience and all that you've learned from it, but then also that helplessness that you feel as your loved one, is journeying and you're able to walk them all the way [00:04:00] home.

Manjeet Singh: No, thank you so much. So kind of you to, say those words.

Rayna Neises: So what's a favorite caregiving story you can share with us?

Manjeet Singh: I'll stick to my personal, side of the story. Me, and, mom, you know, it's just like, during the evening, nighttime reading the scripture and, just holding her hand gently. And, just knowing that, where she was headed and, it was just very inspiring to see mom's faith, even though we were going through as a family, chemo radiation. Those were the days that I live. It's been a year, but looks like mom is with me.

Rayna Neises: Yeah. I think those times that make us slow down and really just be with them have such meaning and are so important in the thick of a long caregiving season. Sometimes we forget to enjoy those moments. But [00:05:00] definitely as we get closer to walking them home, we have more and more of those moments where we just cherish it because we know that they're limited.

Manjeet Singh: 100%. Yes. No, definitely

Rayna Neises: So what would be one thing that surprises you most in the caregiving?

Manjeet Singh: Rayna. I would say that, we cannot pour from an NP cup.

Rayna Neises: Yeah.

Manjeet Singh: say that, you know, often what happens is, we try to do so much and we just try to run with empty gas tank. And, that is something that's very surprising to me is how much, help we as a caretaker also needs while we are taking care of the loved ones. And that's where I want to thank you for bringing that awareness and doing this podcast.

Rayna Neises: Yeah, I think as caregivers, when we become caregivers, [00:06:00] all the things that we did before and kind of took for granted have a tendency to get pushed aside that taking care of ourselves thing. And it's not easy in any season of life, I don't think. It's not natural to just some of the things that are so important, we just kind of naturally let them fall aside.

But caregiving definitely puts us in a place where we think less about those things, and I love that. That's part of what you found in. In what you're trying, in what you're doing now and educating and helping people to think about how to care for their bodies and how to care for themselves in ways that maybe we've started to just totally forget about.

Manjeet Singh: Yes, yes. No, absolutely. connecting with nature, taking care of their bodies. You know, you are rooted in faith, it helps so much that you know that you're not alone. So 100%. I encourage all that.[00:07:00] 

Rayna Neises: So share with us a time when you knew that God just really showed up for you in caregiving.

Manjeet Singh: I'll say through the whispers, in that night shift moment of peace, in chaos. When you know your loved one is deteriorating and you feel like you said, uh, so beautifully, you feel helpless, is just that divine strength, that comes into the present. And then you know that, even though your efforts are limited and we can only do so much, just knowing presence of God is in that room is just, those are the things that you really cannot, describe in words. Is just those moments just has to be filled. we cannot, cannot see air, but we know there is air that we are breathing we just know there is a God, you know? And we know where our loved ones are headed. I would say [00:08:00] definitely I've experienced God, throughout the process that way.

Rayna Neises: Yeah. I love that reminder of just, even just the air that we breathe we know that he's here and when we stop to acknowledge that and really, see his presence in that way, it is always there. But sometimes I think in the thick of it, we forget. And so I love that reminder. As we're talking to caregivers and we're thinking about maybe those that are just starting on their journey or even halfway through, what are some things that you would recommend or that you found would be, helpful to them?

Manjeet Singh: I'll say whatever you're doing. I use the code from Mother Teresa. It's not about how much you do, it's how much love you put into doing, and it's not how much you give. It's how much love you put into giving. It's all about love. If you're taking care of your loved ones, you are doing it for the sake of doing, not good. You will run out very, soon. If you put the [00:09:00] love into doing. I'll say that's the main thing, you know, it has to be genuine. You will not only feel good, but the. that you will get from the one that you are taking care of is going to be true, and you will receive those blessings, not only from the patient, but also by God as well. So, that's something I encourage, even though you are in shock, it's a news that your loved one is diagnosed with whatever, that's the reason you are taking care of them. Otherwise you wouldn't be there. But because God has put you in that place. Do it sincerely, do it with heart.

Rayna Neises: So I think that's the really wise words. I know in the middle of my caregiving with my dad. We had challenges getting ready for bed at night, and I think that's probably not unusual for those that are living with Alzheimer's. They're just, their processing is just, they're done. So being able to, understand what I was asking him to do and that became [00:10:00] such a difficult chore sometimes could last hours of just trying to get him into his pajamas and get him into bed.

And, my husband reminded me, what would happen if you just gave him a hug in the middle of all that, and it was like, oh, well that would just make you mad. You know? I mean, it immediately kind of pushed back, but it, it reminded me in the moments from that time on to stop and say, why are you doing this? You're doing this for him,

Manjeet Singh: Yes.

Rayna Neises: you're doing this 'cause you love him, not because he needs to go to bed. You know? And sometimes I think we can get so focused on the task that we forget to focus on the person. And so I love that reminder of all that we do. Do it in love. And it definitely does make our jobs easier.

And it also, like you said, has those benefits in the long run. We have those, moments and those memories that are precious, whereas we're not just rushing past them all, but we're actually engaging with a person that we're caring for.

Manjeet Singh: Yes. 100%. I [00:11:00] agree.

Rayna Neises: So share with us what your Five Undeniable Laws of Holistic Health and Wellness are.

Manjeet Singh: Yes. So you for asking that, that's the framework that I was able to, build and follow. And it was really instrumental for me. If we can make it so simple and, put it into a simple steps, then life's truly becomes easy, especially when your life is so stressful. When you are taking care of your loved ones, it's very hard, to take care of you at the same time. But if there is a system, then it's becomes easier. So what I say is, the program that I've created, it's called, the acronym is sleep, S-L-E-E-P. And s stand for, sleep. That's the very first thing, stand for, Limit your Boundaries. First hour, before we go to bed and the hour after we wake up, it's [00:12:00] actually protecting our subconscious mind. And so much things happen when we let, the world take over that precious hours from us, let the social media and everything take control over that, we just bring all that chaos. You already are dealing with so much, you do not need the external chaos. So if we can protect those boundaries, then it becomes, instrumental And, the law Number three is the Law of Vitality. I train, everyone or teach, this in my principles. Start your day, day with the three S's, silence, sweat, and sunshine. And, uh, when you do that, even though despite of your current situation, when you open your mouth and you say, Lord, I'm able to see this day. I know hundreds of people not able to wake up this morning. You've given me this opportunity and I'm very grateful that little simple. Joy, when you are rising up, you're able to get up from that bed, able to do all the daily [00:13:00] activities.

Simple things, you know. Thank you. There is clothes on my body. There's food on my table. There is roof on my head. There's a car that I can drive to. There is a job that is taking care of my means. Every single thing, you know? Thank you that you brought this opportunity that I'm taking care of my loved ones and out of all the relatives, I'm here. At this moment, and I thank you for this opportunity. When you shift your mindset, it really makes big of a difference. And, Sweat. When I say it means exercise, get the body moving, get that heart pumping and Sunshine the most powerful antidepressant drug that God, God has given to humanity is the son,

Rayna Neises: Hmm.

Manjeet Singh: The fourth thing that I teach, in my program, Law of Circadian Rhythm. So when everything becomes so chaotic, we tend to eat whenever we want. We can go to the fridge in the middle of a night, eat whatever, and not [00:14:00] knowing that everything is adding up to more chaotic in our life.

Rayna Neises: Mm-hmm.

Manjeet Singh: the last thing that I teach is water is life. If that's the Law of Hydration. And, if we can just do those simple things, and hydrate ourselves in a, in a good manner, along with, we are taking care of our patients, we are reminding them, okay, it's time for you to drink water. How about you? You are also a human being who is taking care of their loved ones. You also need to be as you are giving that sip make sure you have your picture with you as well. Take that safe also for you. You also have a body. You also have a beating heart, warm body. You also need to take care of yourself,

Rayna Neises: I love that they're practical. I love that they are things that equal self-care, but at the same time, they're really practical ways of doing that. I think as caregivers, I know when I look back on my caregiving, sleep was really difficult at [00:15:00] sometimes because my dad wasn't sleeping well. And so I was really thankful that I was only there three nights and I had four nights that I could have my rhythm and routine that gave me good sleep, but I also had to adjust and say, okay, I'm not getting the sleep that I need.

How can I get a nap in? How can I do this differently? I'm a night owl. So I had to train myself to go to bed earlier because he went to bed really early. And so in order to get the good sleep, I think we have to problem solve and we have to value it. So many times in caregiving, we forget to value those simple things.

Manjeet Singh: Uh, yes, yes, absolutely. And when we connect with nature, I mean the miracle happens. There is no substitute. We can use all the technologies today's day and time, but the technology we are using today is destined to be outdated tomorrow. But if we connect with something that is so fundamental. Something so foundational and, it's just [00:16:00] like, like we as a human, we gotta eat. We gotta drink water, we gotta sleep. Something so basic, that you really cannot, go wrong when you do something like this incorporate holistic, life and wellness in your life. You are bound to see the good results. It's just part of becoming a nature.

Rayna Neises: And like you reminded us, the people that we're caring for need all these things too. And so if we learn to align our rhythms with what they are doing. That will also help, bring us both into alignment. So when they take that drink, you take the drink, but also get them outside, give them that vitamin D from the sun, spending the time. Being able to do those things together can also make it easier. And so keeping in mind that you need it, they need it, how can we do it at the same time versus, just trying to focus only on what they need.

Manjeet Singh: Yes. And it's a win-win at the end of the day if you [00:17:00] both are doing it. They are going through a particular process in their life they're diagnosed with and they're taking X amount of medications. But knowing that when it comes to anatomy and physiology, you as a caretaker has the same anatomy and the same physiology.

And if you are going to sleep, eat food, drink water in the right manner, in the right quantity, that is going to aid, you, so you can become more, better of a caretaker that you're taking care of. So it's just going to be a win-win. The patient, you're taking care or the loved one that you're taking care is winning the same time. You are getting the benefits of the nature as well.

Rayna Neises: I really appreciate you sharing that insight. As we close, if you would, can answer one more question for us today, what would be one thing that you do to live content? Love well, and care without regrets.

Manjeet Singh: I will say that, whatever you are [00:18:00] doing, be genuine in whatever it is. Do not do anything. uh, like year from now or something that you look back and, uh, uh, just be true to yourself. Treat everyone with respect the way you want to be treated. Is this the golden rule? The, , the universe follows, but if you do that and just be genuine, you know, it's, it's makes a big world of a difference.

Rayna Neises: Thank you so much for being here today. I really appreciate you And let us know, how can they find out more about your framework and your workshops and things that you're doing?

Manjeet Singh: Yes. Thank you again for what you're doing and may God bless you. To find out more about my work. Just go to Healthcare Heroes Do Global and Heroes is with an S, so it's H-E-L-T-H-C-A-R-E-H-E-R-O-E. Global, G-L-O-B-A-L. Rayna, I would like to say. Typically the course, that goes, on the website [00:19:00] if someone would like to, take advantage of, uh, it typically costs $97, if they're your audience I will give five access free of cost. So not only one person, but the entire family is getting the value out of it. One more thing I would like to add. You said so beautifully. There is nothing, points you to questions like, what time did you wake up? How many glasses of water did you drink? What time did you ate?

And if you're setting a goal next day, were you able to, complete that goal? Or if there is a medication that you were supposed to be taking or something like a journal, it's a digital journal that is going to be, with that program, but for the entire family, it is going to be, my honor, if I can be a part of your journey through that program? Free of cost. It would truly be my honor.

Rayna Neises: So they would access that at your website.

Manjeet Singh: Yes.

Rayna Neises: Okay.

Manjeet Singh: Heroes global and they would [00:20:00] be able to add up to five people from their family, free of cost.

Rayna Neises: Thank you so much for that. I really appreciate that and I hope that listeners will take advantage of checking that out and being able to go through that course and learn more about how to just take care of yourself in whatever season you find yourself. Thank you again for joining us Manjeet.

Manjeet Singh: Thank you so much and keep doing the good work in the world you're doing. 

Rayna Neises: Thank you listeners. Thank you for being here today to hear stories of hope with me, Manjeet. This is a season of caring podcast where we learn to live content, love, well, and care without regrets. If you have medical, financial, or legal questions, be sure to consult your local professionals and take heart in your season of caring.

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