10 KIND THINGS YOU CAN DO FOR YOURSELF
Make your bed every morning. Advice from Admiral William H. McRaven in his popular commencement speech to the University of Texas - Austin class of 2014. Doing the little things can help you accomplish the big things. When you make your bed, it's one small accomplishment to help you start your day, and if at the end of that day that's all you did, then at least you have a freshly made bed to get into.
Give yourself time-outs. When you are feeling irritable, overwhelmed, and/or exhausted do not feel like you have to power through. Take a break, a breath, a walk, and give yourself a chance to reset.
Learn to say “no”. Be discerning with your time and energy, what you commit to and who you choose to spend time with.
Ask for help and say “yes” to those who offer to help. Be specific about what you need. Look into getting extra care to give yourself a break.
Prioritize your own health. Be mindful of what you eat and drink. Stay up-to-date with your own doctor’s appointments, tests, etc. When you take care of yourself, you will be better able to take care of others.
Move your body. Stretch, take a short walk, dance to your favorite song. Small amounts of movement count!
Stay connected. Caregiving can be lonely and isolating. Reach out to friends and family. You can also join a caregivers support group or a club or activity that interests you (i.e. bookclub, gardening club, pickleball etc.) to make connections.
Do something nice for yourself. Buy yourself flowers, light a scented candle, enjoy your favorite dessert, take a bubble bath, plan a movie night (with popcorn!) for yourself etc. This does not have to be time consuming or expensive. Just something that would bring you comfort and make you feel good.
Spend some time outside in nature. This may be going for a hike or simply sitting outside and noticing the leaves on the trees, colors of flowers or sounds of birds around you.
Let go of guilt. Like the flight attendants say, “You need to put your own oxygen mask on first.” The kindness you show to yourself will transform into kindness you show to others.
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