Taking Care of Yourself

Caring for a loved one can be exhausting physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. It’s important to take care of yourself if you’re to have the energy to care for someone else. That’s good advice, but it isn’t always easy to follow. Believe me, I know.

My mother is 85 and my mother in law is 89 so I have first hand knowledge of what it’s like to be a caregiver. Even with assisted living my mother needs help with transportation to and from medical appointments, picking up prescription cat food from the veterinarian, and other little tasks. There’s no easy answer when you’re getting ready for work and get a call asking if you’ll drive your loved one to the emergency room.

I help myself stay calm and focused by going to yoga, eating nutritious food, working, and learning new things. Sure, it sometimes seems self-indulgent. Remember, you have value. You need to be taken care of, too, and taking care of yourself is the best way to make sure youngest the care you need. What works for you?