Best Practices for Family Caregivers #3
The latent and the palpable stress of family caregiving will wear you down. Worry, uncertainty, confusion, frustration, grief and anxiety pervade care scenarios.
To counter these persistently detrimental forces, carve out 20 minutes. For you. Take a walk, exercise, pray, read, meditate, watch the birds, hit a punching bag, do brain exercise, play music, call a friend…just do something for you.
While 20 minutes may seem too short to make a difference, I assure you that 20 minutes well-employed can be a game changer. This period of time is realistic and it provides a release valve. You have 20 minutes. You may be able to take multiple 20 minute self-care sessions in a day.
Do something for yourself by yourself for 20 minutes (or more) every day. Then, you return to your situation with new perspective. Does it fix everything? No. But, you can do this! Your consistent practice over time will be crucial.
Make a list of what you might do during 20 minutes of focused self-care. Set an alarm. Make an appointment. Carve out 20 minutes.
Worth Repeating
Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.
-Eleanor Brown
