by Peter Bailey, this originally appeared on www.caringbridge.com
It’s an understatement to say that caregivers have a lot on their plates: assisting with personal care, transportation to doctor’s appointments, food preparation, medication management…the list goes on.
Hence the irony: who needs more care than a caregiver?
We know it can be difficult to find the time for self-care, but it’s important to remember that your own wellness is still a priority. We also know caregivers may be too burned out to think of exactly what they need, so we asked our community for suggestions.
Here are 25 tips to help you truly practice self-care:
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Let go of guilt
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Join a caregiver support group
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Stretch and breathe
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Get some laughs
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Talk to someone once a day
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Get rest
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Prioritize nutrition
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Ask for help
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Don’t be afraid to say “no”
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Ask for flexibility at work
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Spend quality time with friends and family
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Take time for spiritual practices/meditation
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Keep a gratitude journal
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Find time for exercise
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Reduce caffeine intake
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Listen to music
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Treat yourself
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Make time for your hobbies
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Play with a furry friend
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Read books
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Create self-love mantras
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Consider professional help
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Don’t make self-care another “to-do”
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Be kind to yourself
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