The surest way to help others is to first take care of you first. Self-care is essential to recharging ourselves so that we can have enough energy, creativity, love, and joy to give to others. It is only when we do that that we can really be helpful to others who need us. If you neglect your own pysical, emotional and spiritual needs, you certainly won’t of any help to others. Many caregivers falsely believed that if they do something for themselves they are taking something away from others. In fact, what happened was that I had less of me to give.
By taking care of yourself first, taking the time to exercise, delegating more and spending some time to yourself, you will became more resourceful, develop more patience and be more productive. The care giving role will become less stressful care and more satisfying for all.
It’s important that you look for ways to nurture yourself. There are many ways to take care of you while taking care of others, below are just a few:
What are some ways that you can take better care of yourself? Here are some key methods:
You may need to schedule a day off each week or set aside an hour for yourself every day to make sure this happens. Do those things that nurtures your mind, body and spirit. If its not an emergency then go and enjoy your time off. Let the answering machine take your messages and free your mind and don’t feel guilty about needing this time to yourself.
Make sure that you remain connected to other people that are important in your life other than the person you are providing care for. Make the time to phone a friend or relative or send a card to someone you love during down times. Take in a movie, play or some other event that you enjoy as much as possible.
Take care of your physical needs by eating properly and exercising. Stay hydrated. Exercising for 20 to 30 minutes a day can make a big difference in your energy level and sense of balance. Put forth your maximum effort during those 20 to 30 minutes a day of exercise. Make it fun for yourself—go skating or play basketball with friends.
You need rest to make you feel more energized. A good night’s rest is essential and it will make you more efficient during your waking hours.
Knowing when to say no and when to set limits is a critical skill in taking care of you. It is ok to let others know that you have reached a point when you are stretched to your limit. It is healthy to allow acknowledge this to others and trust them to help out with the situation.
Do something special just for yourself. You deserve to pamper yourself on a regular basis. Get a manicure, a pedicure or soak in a candle lit bubble bath. Change the things you can like getting a new hair cut or buying a new outfit.
Take care of your spiritual needs. Caring for others can be draining over time. Keep fresh and positive thoughts running through your mind? Meditate, read scriptures or uplifting quotes. Keep a journal and learn to listen to the voice of your heart.
Give yourself time to just relax and be carefree every once in a while and not have to be responsible for a moment. Go beyond the ordinary.
Learn to control the things that you can and to let little insignificant go. If something is out of your control or you don’t have enough time to tend to every detail—don’t stress! Often times, the small stuff can build up and we begin to feel overwhelmed; recognize when it’s okay not to attend to a matter and let it go.
Only you know what special treatment is best for you, but the ideas mentioned above should get you started.
Being there for others requires that we take excellent care of ourselves.
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Maxcine C. Maxfield, PhD, APRN, BC
http://maxfieldgrp.com.com
Dr. Maxfield has first hand knowledge and experience in training care givers.
For Additional information and products click on www.maxfieldgrp.com
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