Basic Self Care Tips for Caregivers

These days “basic” is kind of a buzzword. We’re here to tell you about our philosophies on life, care management, coaching and just being a human which … are pretty basic.

We are huge advocates for practicing (and preaching) self-care. We believe that you have to have your cup absolutely overflowing before you can pour onto others. This is called self-care, because you are the only one inside that beautiful mind of yours who knows what you need. You are your own superpower. 

What does that have to do with being basic? Self-care is also very basic. Now, #basic and #selfcare are both pretty big buzzwords right now and we’re not trying to be rebellious, but we don’t buy into most of the propaganda you will stumble upon by following either of these two hashtags. 

If you don’t know about these buzzwords, let us save you some time. If you were to follow these you would find people with coffee that is $5 plus per cup (this time of year it’s probably something pumpkin). You would find people wearing expensive winter boots that spend no more time outside than walking from their car to their workplace. You would find pictures of beautiful places with extravagant accommodations where people are practicing #selfcare or treating themselves #treatyoself.

This all takes money, it takes planning, it takes shopping and it takes brain power to even get started. We don’t have anything against any of these things, but caregivers and people who are just trying to survive this busy life do not have time or energy for that stuff. We believe self-care should be both prioritized and “basic” or realistic. We’ve noticed that the direction you are taken when you try to find tips on self-care are not helpful for caregivers.

Quite frankly, it’s really frustrating. Have ever gotten that coffee, bought those boots, or taken that vacation and STILL felt highly overwhelmed? Yes? Then we’re talking to you because you are probably not just responsible for taking care of you, but taking care of others.

Basic Self Care Tips for Caregivers

Don’t worry, we’ve got good news and a few Basic Self Care Tips for Caregivers that you can do every single day.

1. Get Sunshine.
2. Be Social.
3. Think Positive Thoughts.
4. Be Active.
5. Be Grateful.
6. Give Grace.

Let’s dig in a little deeper on how you can incorporate these Basic Self Care Tips into your everyday life.

Get Sunshine

The obvious argument about this one is: there is not always sunshine outside. True. So, we have some “back-up sunshine” suggestions:

• Insert “Songs That Make Me Feel Like It’s Sunny Outside.” Have you ever been driving along and a song comes on that just makes you feel like you are dancing in the sunshine? 
• Happy Lights. You can get a light that mimics the UV rays from the sun. You can get them for your house or as a USB attachment for your computer. Pretty cool! 
• Vitamin D Supplement. You can get this over-the-counter at any preferred pharmacy. It’s like a little pill of sunshine. Now, we are not pharmacists and always recommend checking with your doctor before you add any pill or supplement to your life.

Be Social

The obvious argument to this one is; “I am NOT a social person.” More good news, we are not suggesting you transform into a social butterfly. We do, however, suggest simple, “basic” ways to be social.

• Put the Social in Social Media: Get on your favorite social media site and start a chat with a friend. Comment or “like” something you, well, want to comment on or you actually like.
• Call or text someone. Our favorites would be, call your Grandparents! They love that. Call your best friend, send a funny meme or joke, send an article you thought was interesting, start a conversation.
• While you are on that social media or phone call, make plans to hang out! This hang out, too, can be virtual or in person. It can be today or a week from now. We are social creatures, we feel better when we are around people we can talk to. Make plans to fill this necessary part of your life.

Think Positive Thoughts

The argument for this one: I don’t naturally have positive thoughts. For this we have one, simple idea!

• Go on the internet or in your box of cards or your bookshelf and find something that makes you smile. Hopefully even smile from the inside. A note, a meme, a quote, a Bible verse, a sentence from your favorite book … any words that make you feel good. Then, type or write those words out and keep them in your pocket/wallet/purse/desk/wherever you keep the things you actually use. These words are now your mantra. When you have no positive thoughts naturally, keep one in your pocket.

Be Active

The argument to this one: I don’t have time for that. For this, we will simply say “you don’t find time, you make time.” Physical Health and Exercise is one of the Four Pillars of Healthy Aging. The Alzheimer’s Association says if you do one thing to improve the health of your brain and body: add physical activity to your life.

You can:

• Take a walk on your ten minute break
• Stand up while working at your desk
• Take your dog or the neighbor’s dog for a walk
• Park in the back of the lot instead of the closest spot
• Plan work-outs into your schedule at the beginning of your week 

Be Grateful

The argument to this: “I don’t have anything to be grateful for”… and if you think this, this should likely be your number one item on this Basic Self Care Agenda. We all have things to be grateful about. If you are reading this, eye sight. No surprise here, there are basic things to be grateful for and not because others don’t have them, but because you do.

• Try practicing gratitude with your own family. Ask your children or family members what they are grateful for today. Practicing gratitude is contagious! Start today, or now!

Give Grace

Grace means “courteous goodwill.” We don’t offer an excuse on this one because we believe we can all give each other a big ‘ol break while giving ourselves a helping of grace to ourselves while we are at it. 

• Ask yourself, “what was their intention” they mean to hurt our feelings? Did they know we were already running late? Probably not. We give passes to people who deserve them and maybe to some people who don’t. The gift in giving grace is actually a gift to yourself. To your peace of mind. It’s about your basic, everyday self care.

Looking for More?

If you’re overwhelmed as a caregiver, it is okay to ask for help. Take your first step towards self-care by scheduling a Clarity Call and let us take some of those things off your plate.