As a caregiver, you focus a good deal of time and energy on your loved one in recovery. But it is equally important to make time for yourself. While self-care looks different for everyone, it means the same thing: to take time away from your worries, management, and support duties in order to rest and recharge.
Make Self-Care a Priority
Self-care is not selfish. Rather, it is vital to your well-being, particularly when you are also working hard to support another person’s well-being. It’s like when the flight attendant reminds passengers that in case of an emergency, you should put on your own oxygen mask first before helping someone else; you must consider self-care as your oxygen mask.
Quit Bad Habits
In helping others, it’s easy to indulge in bad habits that provide temporary relief. However, certain habits like smoking or overeating can be detrimental in the long run. Make it a point to replace these habits with healthier habits ones.
For example, go for a brisk walk when you get the urge to light up a cigarette, or keep crunchy vegetables on hand when you get a snack attack. Soon enough, the healthier habits will find a foothold in your everyday routine.
Take a Break
There are countless ways in which caregivers can take a break that requires little time, effort, and money:
- Find an activity you enjoy and fit it into your schedule. Movement creates endorphins that will give you the mood boost you need to return to your role as caregiver in a more positive frame of mind.
- Get enough rest. If getting a full seven or eight hours of sleep at night is not feasible, then it’s important to find other ways to rest. Quiet activities such as reading, meditating, or writing in a journal can provide you with much-needed down time.
- Stay connected with others. It is important you remain connected to other people, especially if you are constantly worried about a loved one. Socialization with others can give you a much-needed emotional break and help you feel loved and supported.
If you’d like to know more about Beachside Rehab’s recovery programs for your loved one, contact our helpful trained admissions counselors at 866-762-7943.