Self care

[HenriettaH910851]

Hi all, I just wanted to remind everyone here that as caregivers it's important to include yourself. It's not easy and many may feel resentful or depressed, or that they've gained another child. Take moments (where possible) to center, pamper, love and relax yourself. You can't "give" when your own tank is empty and depleted. 

[JaneCares]

Yay, Henrietta!  

What Amanda said!

I wonder as i read your post (so important a reminder, thank you!!!) whether you include visiting with other people as 'self care' since social isolation is one of the risks of being a care giver (and care recipient!)  Humans are social animals, and we often lose track of our dearest old friends when we are consumed by caregiving. A conversation at the nearest coffee shop with someone who knew you BEFORE you became immersed with caregiving... that can be such a comfort, and entertaining too. I love to hear other people's stories since they are so much more interesting than my own!

If you can, write more: who do you see that helps you get through?

If i were caregiving again, and i will be soon enough, i'd  a) go to church, b) find or create a knitting circle and do that once a week if possible, c) drag someone to a movie because I LOVE MOVIES, and d) go to a park or a favorite cafe with a stack of pretty note cards and catch up with correspondence so that my old friends and loved ones would get an ACTUAL CARD IN THE MAIL. And then maybe they'd call me.  😉

Jane

[AmandaSingleton]

That's so right on, Henrietta!  I must admit that self-care has not been my strong suit when times are tough (and as a result have had burnout, adrenal fatigue, the whole bit).  It's been a work in progress to learn how to say "No," ask for help, and make sure I don't burn the candle at both ends.  How do you carve out that time and what do you do for yourself?