Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others
How do we care for ourselves while caring for others—especially when we're caring for more people than we ever expected at this stage in life?
Many of us, myself included, are still doing some parenting while also caring for parents who, thankfully, are living longer but need more of our time and energy. Sound familiar? If so, read on for some tips that might help you manage this challenging balance.
To be honest, I get frustrated when I’m barely keeping my head above water and someone mentions "self-care." When you’re wishing for three clones of yourself and someone asks how you’re taking care of yourself, it can just make you feel worse. Let’s just say the thought of grabbing them by the shoulders and shaking them has crossed my mind—lovingly, of course!
So, from experience, here’s my advice: don’t think of it as “self-care.” Let’s call it functioning.
When life feels overwhelming, triage your commitments. Identify the non-negotiables. It’s not easy to temporarily step back from certain responsibilities, and it can feel emotional, but the trade-off is gaining a little sanity. And remember, it’s all temporary.
Now, let’s talk about what keeps us functioning:
Sleep is crucial. I’ve had plenty of nights where stress keeps me up, but overall, sleep has to be a priority. I’ve been using sleep meditations for years—single earbud, every night. Will I wean off it someday? Sure. But right now, my focus is on getting quality sleep, whatever it takes.
Fuel your body. Stress often leads us to grab quick, sugary energy fixes, but keep healthier options on hand. High-protein snacks like nuts or bars in your car can save the day when you’re unexpectedly called to care for someone. And meal prepping, even if it's just chopping up veggies for the week, helps. Immunity boosters like citrus, green tea, and turmeric are also key. I swear by a squeeze of lemon in green tea—it’s said to enhance the tea’s health benefits.
Move your body. Exercise often gets sidelined when we're busy, but it's essential for both mental and physical health. Even a short walk outside—around the hospital, if need be—can clear your head. Modify your usual routine if necessary, but get moving, even if it’s just 10 minutes or a quick home workout. Trust me, carving out some time for your yoga practice will always make a difference!
These three things—sleep, food, and movement—are what keep me going. I’ve got other tips, too, so if you want to chat more about managing life right now, feel free to reach out. We’re all in this together!
