Studies show that caregivers often neglect themselves, with dire consequences for their health and well-being. Don’t become a statistic. Keep your doctor appointments, find some daily “me” time, get enough sleep and exercise—and when you can, add a little fun and luxury to your days. Here are some easy ways to put you first:
Take a Hike
Go for a quiet walk; observe nature; listen to birds, crickets and the wind. Pause to put your face to the sky and think about nothing at all. Return refreshed.
Warm Up
Toss a terry bathrobe or bath sheet in the clothes dryer before you slip into a hot bubble bath. Roll it up so it’s still toasty when you emerge. Once you wrap yourself in it, you’ll feel like you’ve just escaped to a spa!
Tap Touch
Flop on the floor and cuddle your kids or your pet. Stroking your dog’s tummy can calm you, and a few minutes of unabashedly loving your child—with no agenda—will put life into perspective fast.
Slice and Sniff
Cut up a fresh orange and eat the slices slowly, enjoying nature’s gift to the olfactory nerves. Or, squeeze a whole lemon for tension relief and keep the oil on your palms. With just a wave of your hand, you’ll enjoy instant aromatherapy.
Be a Cut-Up
Sing out loud, really loud! Pop some bubble-gum bubbles. Or dance and be silly when no one is looking. Cracking yourself up can go a long way toward keeping you sane. Really!
Take a Real Break
Chat with a friend on the phone or over lunch. Your rules—talk about anything (movies, books, the kids, the neighbors) except your current caregiving situation.
More Info
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Copyright ©2007 Caring Today, LLC. As originally appeared on www.caringtoday.com and/or in Caring Today magazine. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
