Caregiver Avoidance

It’s a nice sunny Saturday afternoon — probably one of the last days to bask in sunshine before the coolness of autumn strikes. How do you celebrate this afternoon? Do you go inside and get a book or magazine and sit quiety reading or maybe even using your kindle? How about removing some of the overgrown weeds from your garden?
Did you think about just allowing yourself to accept these moments of deserved relaxation just being — just being?
As caregivers, we take less time to relax and unwind. Are we attempting to avoid self-care, or have we become accustomed to busying ourselves at all times? After a few minutes of rest and relaxation, that task will still be there patiently waiting.
What are some things you are avoding as a caregiver? Just like those weeds in our garden, left unattended, the issues you are avoiding start to grow beyond control.
Do you schedule and attend regular doctor’s appointments? Are you following orders after the visit? If medications have been prescribed, have the prescriptions been filled and are you taking the medications as directed. When is the last time you planned regular date-nights and social activities with friends?
Just as the days of summer wind down, caregivers have to take time-outs to wind down from the day-to-day responsibilities of caring for loved ones.
Avoiding self-care only leads to more issues such as unnecessary stress, chronic diseases, lack of focus, isolation. Call a friend, walk around the block, watch a favorite television program, take a nap, sip a nice hot tea or other favored healthy drink, listen to music and dance. The movement is good for your body. Laugh as you remember that step.
As a caregiver, it is important to take care of youself. This allows you to give your loved one the best care.
Share your ideas with me. Because I know Caregivers Need Care Too.
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