Century Park Blog

As caregivers we often overlook one key person in our day of providing care to others; ourselves. Taking care of ourselves is the foundation to providing good quality care. Without self-care you are giving from an empty well. As the flight attendant says, "Should the cabin lose pressure, oxygen masks will drop from the overhead area. Please place the mask over your own mouth and nose before assisting others." We know as care providers why the flight attendant requires this process. It's because if we don't have oxygen for ourselves we can't possibly provide oxygen to others.

So what can you do to care for yourself?

• Eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. Manage stress and go for regular medical check-ups.
• Practice good hygiene. Good hygiene is important for social, medical, and psychological reasons in that it not only reduces the risk of illness, but it also improves the way others view you and how you view yourself.
• See friends or family to build your sense of belonging.
• Practice Gratitude. If you find the smallest things to be grateful for it can change your entire outlook.
• Try to do something you enjoy every day. That might mean dancing, watching a favorite TV show, working in the garden, painting or reading.
• Find ways to relax, like meditation, yoga, getting a massage, taking a bath or walking in the woods.

Caregivers find that their physical, spiritual, and emotional health are all connected, and that supporting one supports the others. Taking care of all aspects of you will increase the likelihood that you stay well. This will fill your tank and give you the replenishment needed to continue to provide good quality care.