Self-Care for Caregivers: 5 Easy Tips
Whether you're taking care of someone on a professional or personal level, we understand the weight of your work, the valuable contribution you make to others’ lives, and the importance of taking good care of yourself. We know that you may not have much time or energy to consider putting yourself on your to-do list, so we’ve put together a couple of easy tips on self-care for caregivers.
Check These Easy Tips on Self-Care for Caregivers
Breathe
Seriously, whether you’re on or off the job, it’s something that’s easy to forget to do. Here’s a helpful remedy when you feel overwhelmed or underappreciated.
Slowly take a deep breath as you count to 3.
Before you let your breath out, hold it and count to 3.
Now, let your breath out slowly as you count to 3.
Repeat as necessary for calming and clearing your mind. Hint, it’s helpful to close your eyes too.
Soak
Fill up the tub with warm water, bubbles, Epson salt, light a candle and just let yourself chill in the bath. It’s soothing to your senses and your muscles and can help defuse tension in your mind and body.
Laugh
You haven’t forgotten how, though some days it may feel that way. Tuning into a classic sit com, searching YouTube for silly pygmy goat videos, or calling someone who always makes you laugh will make you feel better, plus it’s contagious. Physical benefits include lowering blood pressure, reducing stress hormones and improving heart health. What’s not to love?
Show Compassion to You
Imagine you have a good friend who is a caregiver – this may not be a stretch. This person is constantly going and doing and rarely stops because they have so much on their plate. What would you say to your friend? How would you treat her? Consider this approach as another way of providing self-care.
Connect with Other Caregivers
It helps to share and hear from others who get it. There are several online forums listed below that offer information, resources, and fellowship from others who are working as hard as you.