What Does Self Care Have to do with It?

self-care-reminderWhat does self care look like for you? We hear about it often. We even tell each other to take care of themselves as we think about our own self care. Does a self care routine matter?
Many of us are caring for others as we care for ourselves. If we don’t take the best care of ourselves, it becomes more of a challenge to care for those we love.
We are living longer. Let’s preserve our life with the self care we deserve. Perhaps that means getting to bed a little earlier at night (without aid from television and other gadgets)
How does exercise fit into your daily schedule? Parking a little farther from stores while shopping may be an easy way to start. Getting up to stretch during commercials is almost effortless. There is most likely an exercise, dance, yoga or pilates class near you. Call and sign up.
As we venture outside to breathe in the fresh air, we become a part of the natural beauty that exists and watching nature will inevitably invite some self movement.
Our eating habits also influence our self care. Are we getting adequate fresh fruits and vegetables? Are we willing to try new vegetables or even prepare our foods differently from our normal methods? Baking, stir fry, and even some raw foods are surprisingly appealing and appetizing.
Let’s remember to include relaxation. That might be taking regularly scheduled time-outs. When is the last time you took a personal day for the most important person in your life? This is your special time for you to unwind. (read a book, meditate, take a nap, listen to music)
Self-care matters. It is essential for us to live our lives to the fullest and for us to be the best we can be for ourselves and for those that matter in our lives.
New Beginnings offers support for self care through one on one coaching, grief support (The Empty Chair) accountability partners (Stay on the Path) and more. The focus really is on you because you matter.

Please, please practice self care

We are mid-way through this year and moving toward the end of summer.  Back to school displays are showing their faces with products in every imaginable place. How are your plans for summer going?

Oftentimes we tell ourselves we are practicing self-care — taking time out to do things we really want to do, pampering, resting, meditating, eating better, establishing an exercise routine, etc. Time passes and those ideas and lists pass with time.

If we do not take the time for ourselves, we are actually practicing

“self abuse” which may include

  • trying to be perfect
  • pleasing others
  • thinking we should be and do more
  • not allowing others to support and assist us
  • feeling rushed, tired and lethargic

Take the time NOW to commit to giving yourself the #self care you need and deserve.  You will thank yourself for thinking enough of yourself to give yourself this gift.

A walk in the park to get back in touch with nature;  a dinner date at your favorite restaurant with your favorite person — that would be YOU; a massage or a manicure/pedicure; a new hairstyle, using a different mode of transportation just to change things up a bit are some ideas that you can do just for you and your health and well being.

Self care starts with small repeated steps. You deserve this and so much more.

Let me know how it goes and what you are committed to continue doing just for you.

Joy and light,

Angela

 

Remembering When

caregiver_02mother daughter_aaI recently returned to the place of my childhood to visit family members. While there, I thought I would venture out to see older community members for great stories and for the unity that it brings.
Prior to my visit I found out a neighbor had been placed in a nursing facility due to a fall. How often do the aged suffer from falls? Many family members are not aware of “aging in place” . This allows family members to remain in their homes with proper adjustments — removing throw rugs to avoid slipping, placing grab bars on bathtubs, installing higher toilet seats, changing out dim light fixtures for brighter ones are just a few simple measures to make living at home longer easier for everyone.
I remember youthful visits to the Collins’ home. This was a large family. There always seemed to be treats available. Fresh homemade bread and delicious fruits in the summer. This one one of my favorite places to spend summer afternoons sitting on the porch or playing a game of softball or hopscotch.
After spending many years caring for her ailing husband, Mrs. Collins now needed someone to care for her. During all those years, she was providing the necessary care for him, only to neglect caring for herself.
Her health has been greatly compromised — failing kidneys requiring constant dialysis. The fall left her with a fractured pelvic bone. There is also some cognitive impairment.  I wondered if she really remembered me.
After learning of what I call a tragedy, I focused on remembering when she allowed me to come into her home and have lunch, dinner or snacks with her children. She knew I was a lonely kid and needed the companionship of her children. I asked her about the homemade bread. She told me “it’s a lot easier to buy it now”. I thought, It certainly does not taste the same. I remember when …
As our loved ones continue to care for others, let us remember to remind, encourage them to take the time to care for themselves. It will make everyone’s life better and easier.
If you have questions about caring for yourself as you care for others, give me a call for a coaching session. It’s an investment in you and your health and well-being. Because I know caregivers need, deserve and want care.

Aging Gracefully Now

 

During this first month of the New Year, many of us have made new year’s resolutions or intentions or wishes or set goals.  How is it going for you?

It’s important to remember why you are setting these intentions.  That makes it easier to continue striving toward our goals and objectives.

As caregivers, sharing much of our time and attention caring for others. how do we age gracefully?  What must we do to focus on our own self care and self expression?

Getting adequate rest, including some form of exercise and eating a nutritious diet make a difference in our lives. Try new foods, grains, berries, fruits and dark green vegetables.  Experiment with various cooking methods.

As we are caring for others, we can imagine and determine how to make definite changes to avoid some of the health issues our loves ones encounter. Have you scheduled your annual exams?  Did you keep the appointments?  What about legal documents?  Are they in order?  Have they been filed?

Statistics show that nearly 66 % of all Americans over the age of 60 have hypertension which can easily lead to strokes, diabetes and heart attacks.  Caring for a loved one can be stressful.  Stress is a major contributor to these diseases.  Time outs and time management are crucial for caregivers.

reduce stress
reduce stress

Find some leisure activities.  If watching television is an outlet for you.  Make it work to your advantage.  Ride a stationary bike during your favorite show.  Move during the commercials.  Take the time to nurture that hobby that you have been longing for. We all have special gifts and talents.  Put them to good use.

Find activities that light up your life.  Perhaps it’s a dance class, pottery, painting, writing, bowling, tennis.  Pursue it.  Make it a goal, an objective, an intention.

Listen to some of your favorite music and sing along.  This is a wonderful stress reducer.   Make it your personal party.

Face your fears. Know what’s reasonable and what is out of your control. Engage with others.  There are many caregivers who want to share experiences other than their day-to-day caregiver responsibilities. It’s a way to meet and make new friends.

Congratulate yourself often for all that you do.  Others depend on you.  You are making a difference in their lives and in your life and the life of other family members who benefit from the care you are providing for your loved one.

Show gratitude and appreciation.  Accept support and assistance from others. Be gentle with yourself. Feel good about feeling good and know that you are making a difference.

Let’s make this the year for Aging Gracefully because Caregivers need care too. Get the support you deserve from New Beginnings because caregivers need care too.