Are you the primary caregiver for a loved one? Have you incorporated all the necessary details of that loved one’s life into your schedule? If you have answered, yes, to those questions, do you have a self care program for YOU? Are you keeping your doctor’s appointments? Most caregivers forget their regularly scheduled appointment and often do not reschedule. If we visit our family doctor on schedule, we forget about the other medical concerns such as the “ophthalmologist, dentist, optician, gynecologist and others. Our optimal health determines the kind of care we are able to share with our loved ones. A self care program is not just about your physical health. How about your emotional well-being? Do you schedule regular times to visit with friends — lunch, movie, art, afternoon or evening walk. This can serve as a great stress reducer. It can also help to prevent some of the drain and fatigue caregivers often experience. It can be a challenge to give your best to your loved one if you are neglecting yourself. Call a day-spa and set up a special day for you, visit the hair salon, how about a manicure and pedicure. You deserve this and more. You will look better and feel better and be more attentive as a caregiver to your loved one. Can you remember a time when you did something special for yourself? Think about it. Did others notice? How did you feel when you were complimented? It really is the little things in life that make it easier to accomplish and fulfill our responsibilities as caregivers. Share with me and others some small favor you have done for yourself this week. I believe caregivers need care too.
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