The Importance of Self Care

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There is a tendency of many caregivers to put the needs of everyone else before their own. This may work in the short-term, but in the long haul it can lead to illness, frustration, resentment, depression, and/or burnout.

You have to take care of yourself. Good self care means you continually need to replenish yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually. If you won’t do it for yourself (and we hope you will), then do it for your loved one. You have to take care of yourself if you want to continue giving good care.

It is important to carve out some time for yourself each day for self care. If you wait until all of your chores are done before doing something for yourself, it may not ever happen. Learn more abouttips for carving out time for self care.

Positive Steps for Self Care

  • Schedule time away on a regular basis. To maintain your own emotional and physical health it is absolutely necessary to get relief from your caregiving role. Getrespite careif it is needed for you to be able to take some time for yourself.
  • Keep yourself physically and mentally healthy. Learn more about taking the next step tobecoming physically active. Learn more aboutstaying mentally healthy.
  • Make sure you eat a healthy diet and get some form of exercise as often as possible. A brisk walk is a sure way to relieve stress. Learn more aboutmaking healthy food choices.
  • Protect your health. Make sure to make and keep medical and dental appointments for yourself. Learn more abouthealthy check-ups.
  • Be kind to yourself. Give yourself credit for the things you do well. Treat yourself to a small present when you’re feeling low. Take time for a long, hot bath. Learn more about getting support to handle theemotional aspects of caregiving(PDFFormat)
  • Stay socially connected and involved with activities and people that bring you pleasure. Learn more aboutstaying socially connected.
  • Talk to someone who can help you look at things more objectively, perhaps a friend, a fellow caregiver, or a professional counselor.
  • Be honest with friends and family about your needs.
  • Recognize and deal with signs ofstressordepression.
  • Hire some in-home helpa few hours a week to assist with housekeeping or caregiving.