Brenda Lyle – Florida Today

Q: How important is “self-care” for caregivers?

A: International Self-Care Day was in July, but the message of self-care bears repeating every month of the year. Prioritizing your personal health and well-being is not being selfish. For caregivers especially, self-care is absolutely vital—remember the airplane safety briefing? Secure your own oxygen mask before assisting others. Caregivers shoulder enormous responsibilities, taking on roles like nurse, financial manager and more– sometimes while running two households. These demands can cause physical, emotional and even financial strain. Read on to learn how self-care can empower caregivers.

Be Intentional

Self-care requires intentional actions to nurture physical and emotional health. Eating nutritious meals, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly –all of these can keep you strong and help you manage stress. Also important is the idea of setting self-actualization goals. Start by envisioning who you want to be as a person first, then as a caregiver. A goal like “I want to be compassionate” applies to both personal growth and caregiving. Are there obstacles to your goal? Perhaps anger or resentment at your loved one’s illness or your caregiving role? Acknowledging your emotions is the first step. Healthy outlets, like exercise, journaling, praying, mindful meditation or deep breathing can help release pent-up emotions and pave the way for compassion.

Set Boundaries

Setting boundaries is another cornerstone of self-care. Are there specific caregiving tasks that trigger frustration or anger? Delegate these when possible—and reach out to your network for support. Create a boundary of space and time, even if it’s just for five minutes of daily quiet reflection. To make a difference, be consistent; sporadic self-care won’t provide the mental toughness caregiving demands. Daily, intentional self-care practices will build resilience –so that you can continue supporting your loved one effectively.

The Sandwich Generation

Those taking care of older parents and children experience a unique challenge to self-care. “Sandwich Generation” caregivers struggle with overcommitment– which can derail self-care. Remind yourself to simplify. Give yourself permission to scale back on commitments and delegate some necessary tasks to align with your caregiving role—to carve out some “you time.” List your daily self-care routines with your other tasks, in a calendar or chart that provides a constant visual reminder of your goals. Lastly, be kind to yourself if your goals don’t match reality at the end of the day.

Caregiving is a marathon, not a sprint. And prioritizing self-care will help ensure you have the strength to care for others. So, commit to daily practices that nurture your body and mind. By taking your oxygen first, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the challenges of caregiving with compassion and resilience. For caregiver resources, visit OneSeniorPlace.com or call 321-751-6771 in Viera.

Brenda Lyle is a Certified Care Manager and Certified Dementia Practitioner with One Senior Place, Greater Orlando. One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Submit your questions to AskOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com. For immediate help, call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging.