Sometimes caregivers cannot take time away from their loved ones for various reasons. This month, I will be focusing on ideas and suggestions as you, a caregiver, can take. Next month, I will be focusing on some of the many services that you can receive if you are unable to get time away from the caregiving role. Many of these services are known as respite care.
You find yourself thinking, "But what can I do for myself if I don't have much time?" Sometimes you figure what would a five-minute break actually do for me? Five minutes does not seem like a long time, but five minutes of quiet can be very relaxing. It may even seem longer. Below, I have listed a few ideas that can be done in a short period of time.
1. Take a bubble bath.
2. Close your eyes for five minutes.
3. Go for a short walk around the block.
4. Yoga is excellent.
5. Read a chapter of your favorite novel.
6. Catch up on your letter writing.
7. Watch television - catch up on the soaps.
8. Go out to lunch - alone or meet some family or friends.
9. Take a short nap.
10. Go shopping. Buy yourself something new.
I know these suggestions can be difficult if you do not have a strong support system. As I mentioned earlier, next month I will focus on services out there, so you can do things for yourself. I often hear caregivers express their guilt for leaving their loved one with someone else. They feel they should be at home 24 hours a day. This is a natural feeling. But you have to keep in mind that you are human. You need quiet time; you need to do things for yourself. Even though your loved one might not be able to express his or her feelings, they appreciate all that you do. In order to remain effective for your loved one and for yourself, you must take care of you.
Go To Page: 1 2
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Marci Stocks's Elderly Caregiving topic, please visit the Discussions page.