Why Is Taking Care of Yourself Important?
Explore the positive impact of building self-care strategies into your routine, and how these efforts to care for yourself will benefit both you and your loved one.
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Caring for yourself is one of the most important – and one of the most often forgotten – things you can do as a caregiver. When your needs are taken care of, the person you care for will benefit too. To be a good caregiver, you need to give yourself permission to take care of yourself and not feel guilty about doing so.
When considering ways that you can take care of yourself, think of activities, tasks, and rhythms that you enjoy or help you relax. Listening to music, a phone call with a friend, going for a walk, or meditating can all be very beneficial.
Additionally, it’s important to do the following:
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Exercise, even small amounts will make a difference.
- Keep up with your own health needs – continue to attend your regularly scheduled doctor’s appointments and take your prescribed medications.
- Plan for adequate rest in your day.
- Identify ways to relax—maybe try meditation or yoga, listen to music or read.
- Stay in touch with good friends—be sure not to isolate yourself.
- Ask for help and be prepared to tell people how they can best help you.
- Set limits on what you can and can’t do.
- Seek the support of positive people.
- Consider journaling—it may help to get your feelings down on paper.