Good Habits for Caregivers & Patients #3
The list of potential self-care measures is seemingly endless. So much so, that you may be overwhelmed or think you have to do too much. You don’t. Remember, a little bit of something is better than a whole lot of nothing.
Self-care is crucial for those who have no time for self-care. Both patient and caregiver need the intentional, consistent rhythms that help to regain perspective and energy. You have permission to care for yourself.
Here are three ways to think about it:
#1 Do something for yourself by yourself at least weekly if not daily. This does not have to cost anything. Even if your time is severely limited, carve out 15 minutes at least. You may choose to go for a walk, take a hot bath, read a book, exercise, listen to music, watch a movie, meditate, journal, or something that refills your cup. Doing this once doesn’t fix everything, but the habit of self-care done consistently over time will help you navigate these troubled waters.
#2 Connect with people who fill your cup. Is there a group or an individual that leaves you feeling better after your interaction with them? Stay connected to this person or people. There are plenty of people who drain our cups. Stay away from these folks, but initiate contact with those who fill your cup. Perhaps this comes in the form of dinner friends, a phone friend, a support group, an exercise class, a small group, or a digital connection. The research is replete with findings of patients and caregivers withdrawing and becoming isolated and many of the reasons are understandable. But, what is best for you is to connect with people who fill your cup.
#3 Ask for help (or a consult). You probably enjoy giving help and feel very uncomfortable receiving help. If so, think of it as a consult. Smart people find success in all endeavors by enlisting people who know things they don’t and who can do things they can’t. Someone else has been down this road ahead of you. Someone has expertise in how people manage these situations. Ask them for a consult. Even if there are no easy answers, you will feel better knowing that you have taken action. Usually though, you will learn something or gain a new lead.
Your first inclination may be to shy away from all three of these. Be brave. Decide on one move to make in each of these three areas and encourage your loved ones to do the same. You’ll be glad you did!
Worth Repeating
Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.
-Eleanor Brown
