Self-care is simply doing the things you like to do that help you feel happy and healthy. There really is no limit to what self-care is because…
it’s all about what you like doing for yourself and your personality, that makes you a better person, caregiver parent, spouse, daughter, son, sibling, and friend.
Don’t do things you think you need to do or what others say you need to do. Do what you know you love and want to do. It doesn’t have to require money or be anything extravagant. Meditate, get up early, read a book, a bubble bath are some simple ideas.
Neglecting yourself and putting your needs on the back burner inevitably leads to an unhealthy life. Self-care needs to be a part of your personal schedule. Do you have a schedule for loved one’s doctor’s appointments or when it’s time to give meds? I’ll bet you do! Well your “me” time shouldn’t be overlooked. Why is self-care important? Because it’s essential to having a healthy, productive, and happy life for you and your loved one! And that’s what we ultimately want.
Why is Self-Care important?
Self-care is important because it prevents:
1. Stress – Most everyone lives with stress in their daily lives but it’s important to try to reduce this as much as possible. There’s plenty of medical research to show that stress has many negative side effects. Headaches, low energy, aches and pain and even a lack of sleep.
2. Burnout -Burnout is another form of extreme stress that results in physical and emotional exhaustion, negativity, lack of enjoyment and the feeling of hopelessness. I dare any caregiver to tell me they haven’t felt at least one of these feelings at some time. (there was a time when I felt them all at the same time) When we think of burnout we typically think of it as people who are overworked or during situations where you feel out of control. Self-care allows you to take a break from these events that result in burnout. Even if it’s a simple one-minute break where you just close your eyes and breathe, it will help reduce this type of stress.
3. Negativity – Putting everyone else’s needs over your own will turn just about anyone into a “Negative Naomi.” The feeling of not being important and that their needs overpower yours is an awful feeling. The fact is, the more your needs are met the more others needs will be met too. You will experience less bitterness and resentment towards others if you take care of yourself.
If you find yourself at any point feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or just negative towards people stop what you’re doing immediately. You can easily take a few minutes to refocus your mind. Maybe you need to talk to someone from your support group, or your friends and family for a few minutes or look at a few pictures that make you happy such as babies or cats. This will allow you to relax and adjust your attitude. Get rid of what I call stink’in think’in. You’ll be amazed at how much more productive you’ll be if you just put yourself first. Sometime!