Whether you are a caregiver by profession, or a family member caring for a loved one, being a caregiver can be a very exhausting job. Sometimes we do not realize how much stress we’re holding, and it is important to squeeze in time everyday for self-care, which means taking care of you! Even if it’s just for a few minutes each day, those minutes can save you.
Here are a few simple self care ideas:
Taking little trips: One thing I like to do when I’m with a loved one is to bring them places that we both enjoy, so that as much as possible the outing is a positive experience for both parties. Often as folks become immobile, it can be difficult to go far, but even getting outside and going for a walk, and looking at flowers and birds, can be a relaxing experience.
Try something new! Have you ever done water color paints? Made sculptures with clay or play-dough? Used crayons or finger paints? Sometimes new activities — ones that may involve clean up — can be seen as a daunting task, but try it! Easy-to-learn arts can be a very relaxing and stimulating experience.
Journaling: Writing down your daily experiences can be a marvelous release. Even just two sentences a day allows for you to get your thoughts out–whether positive or negative–in a nonjudgmental space. Sometimes it’s helpful to bring a small journal with you everywhere, so if you’re having a particularly stressful moment, you can jot down how you’re feeling and why. This helps to not “bottle in” your stress, and can also be helpful to read later to process what happened, and give insight into what you can do to help yourself next time you’re in a similar situation.
Take a breath: Breathing exercises can be a powerful moment to “get away” and to relax your body and mind–and you don’t even need to be alone to do them. If you are having a particularly stressful moment, remind yourself: breathe. Taking three deep breaths in a row helps to relax the body by bringing in more oxygen. According to studies by Harvard Medical School, deep breathing exercises help lower blood pressure and reduce stress and anxiety. See their article for a more complete explanation of how breathing exercises can benefit you.
Hopefully these self care ideas remind and inspire you to take of the most important person in your life…you.