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Four Ways to Make Time for Self-Care
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Self-care is easy to define. It’s the time you take to care for yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically. Yet, one thing that many family caregivers fail to do is practice self-care. When was the last time you went out with your partner? When did you last have a quiet evening alone? Have you seen your doctor lately?
If you’re not taking care of yourself, have you considered the implications? What happens if you become sick? Who takes care of your mom and dad while you’re recovering from the flu or a bad cold? What happens if you become so burned out that you start dealing with regular anxiety attacks? These are all reasons to focus on self-care before you help your parents.
These are four ways to make time for self-care.
Elder Care Pasadena CA – Four Ways to Make Time for Self-Care
Make the Most of Naps
If your parent takes a daily nap, use that time for self-care. As soon as your mom or dad has gone to the bedroom, put on a fitness video, grab a book and sit outside in the sun, or start your favorite hobby. If you like to bake, use that hour to knead the dough for tonight’s dinner. If you like to knit, sit down in a quiet spot and start knitting. Do whatever helps you relax.
Change Your Schedule
What time does your parent get up and go to bed? You’ll often find that adjusting your schedule a little will help you find time for self-care. If your mom gets up at 10, you could get up at 8 and have two hours to yourself.
Get Your Family to Help Out
When possible, enlist your siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles into helping. While you go away for an afternoon, let someone else spend time with your mom or dad. Arrange to have others help out as often as possible.
You can use this time to go to appointments, run errands, have time alone, or attend functions with your children or partner. Make sure you’re taking off that time and relying on those around you to get that break.
Hire Elder Care Providers to Ease Your Schedule
Have you considered bringing in professional elder care providers once or twice a week to give you a break? You should. Your mom or dad meets and spends time with someone else, which helps boost socialization. You get a break, so it’s a win-win situation. Call our agency to find out how to hire elder care providers.
