Remember it’s important to take care of yourself as this effects your mood and how you are able to deal with stress.
10 Self-Care Tips for Caregivers
- Check in with yourself. It’s easy to channel all of your energy into your youth instead of yourself. It’s important to have frequent check-ins with yourself to see what you need.
- Pamper yourself. Taking care of yourself is not bad or selfish; it’s a necessity. Don’t be afraid to take time for yourself and give yourself a break. Devoting just an hour a day to yourself can make a huge difference.
- Ask for help. You aren’t expected to always know what to do or how to parent, so if you feel lost or helpless, reach out and ask for guidance. It’s important to have a support system that you can turn to in your own time of need.
- Don’t be so hard on yourself. As a caregiver, mistakes will be made, but it’s important to remember that it’s ok to make mistakes and to not have the answers.
- Go out in nature. Sometimes, just taking a walk around the block or through a local park makes all the difference. Being outside can remind you that there is more to the world than the daily battles you face.
- Make something. Whether it is your bed when you first wake up, a cup of tea, or your favourite craft. It doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s an opportunity for you to focus on a single task and remind yourself that you are capable of creating something positive.
- Make a list of the things you are grateful for. One of the best ways to get through a tough time is to write down everything that you are grateful for. These lists can range from something as small as your favorite coffee mug to the people in your life, but it reminds you that there is something good in every day.
- Step back from the media. We are exposed to toxic media sources on a regular basis. Whether it is through social media or the news, we are rarely exposed to stories and images that make us feel good. Detox yourself from those sources for some time.
- Choose who you spend time with. Dedicating your time to people who will positively impact you and not fill you with negativity is extremely important. Additionally, sometimes the best person to be around when you need to practice self-care is yourself.
- Breathe. Meditation can be one of the most challenging but rewarding tasks. Even if it is just for five minutes, removing yourself from your stressors and focusing on nothing but your body and mind in the present moment can make a huge difference. It’s a chance to hit the reset button and bring back your awareness so that you can continue to help yourself and your youth.
Source: NEDA
