Dr. Warren

You are at your best as a caregiver when you are in great shape mentally and emotionally. This starts with taking care of yourself.

My last post Step 1: How SAAD* are you? was a request to start by “checking in” on your emotional health. Physical problems such as headache, upset stomach and fatigue are sometimes the body’s way of expressing stress. Confusion can also be sign of being overwhelmed.

Step 2 is about scheduling at least 10 minutes a day to take care of yourself. Think of this time as a daily vitamin for emotional wellbeing. Develop a healthy self-care habit by choosing activities that are easy, enjoyable, and invigorating.

Some examples and categories of activities

Sit down, take a deep breath.

Inhale very slowly through the nose and take oxygen deep into the lungs

Exhale and gently say: “my body is releasing tension”.

Repeat 5 times

Do this as many times a day as needed.

Do a little exercise

Treat yourself to a mini massage of hands, feet, calves, or face (wash hands before and after!!)

More than 10 minutes may be needed. Try taking longer breaks or multiple breaks throughout the day. When you are emotionally drained, take a break because working harder does not make things better. Try different activities until you find out what works best for you.