Self-care is defined as the process you take to protect yourself by taking care of your emotional, mental, and physical health. It’s also one of the first things family caregivers ignore when they’re busy taking care of their older parents. 

If you’re not taking care of yourself, you can’t take care of your mom properly. You have to be proactive. Think about it this way. If you ignore your own self-care needs and burnout, what happens to your mom then?

What Makes You Happy?

What do you need to feel happy? Do you love to go walk around a forest? Are you happier on a beach? Does spending time with friends help ease your angst? 

Whatever it takes, you need to make sure you have time for that activity or time away. If you love to bake, have an afternoon set aside for baking. Gather the ingredients and get to it. If you like to photograph flowers, get your camera and go to a botanical garden. 

Leave Time for Proper Nutrition and Exercise

You need to eat the right foods. Don’t save time by picking up fast food all of the time. It’s not healthy and will negatively impact your health. Instead, learn to meal prep on weekends to save time during the week. 

Exercise is equally important. A half-hour walk every day is important. If you can’t get outside, invest in a treadmill and walk on it while your mom watches her favorite show. You might be able to get her to join you for a walk around the block or a Yoga video you put on the television.

Speaking of Yoga, that’s a great exercise program for helping alleviate stress. The meditative breathing that’s part of Yoga helps the body and mind relax and de-stress. With plenty of beginner videos on YouTube or free streaming channels like FitOn, you have options.

Don’t Rule Out Emotional Wellness

Make sure you’re taking care of your emotional wellness too. One of the best ways to do this is by joining a support group for family caregivers. If your mom has dementia, an Alzheimer’s caregiver support group is ideal.

You’ll make friends with others who understand your situation. You become resources for each other, which is one of the best ways to support your emotional health.

Hire Home Care Aides to Cover Your Breaks

It’s time to ensure you’re taking regular breaks. When you can’t leave your mom alone, how do you do this? Call a senior home care agency and ask specifically about respite care.

Respite care is a service offered to family caregivers that enables them to take a break. One day a week, senior home care aides can spend the day with your mom while you have a day off. See your friends, sleep in, or focus on your favorite hobbies knowing your mom’s in great hands.

If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care in Temple Terrace, FL , please contact the caring staff at R.B. Home Health Services, Inc today. 305-220-6309