After a 40-hour workweek, you go to your mom’s house on Saturday. She needs help with meals, so you do meal prep and get meals packaged to last her the week. You take her shopping and help her with housework. It’s exhausting.
Before you burn out, look at the eight recommended self-care categories. Make sure you are taking time each week to care for yourself in those eight areas.
#1 – Emotional
Emotional care covers things like stress management. Be compassionate towards yourself. If you find yourself frequently engaging in negative self-talk, such as saying you’re unattractive, stop and find your positive qualities.
If you find yourself being overwhelmed and stressed, it’s time to walk away and let home care aides help your mom out. Take time to care for yourself emotionally.
#2 – Financial
Don’t lose track of your finances when you’re helping your mom. It may seem important to pay for the groceries she needs, but if that means you have to go without, it’s not fair to you. Put your financial needs first. Pay your bills first, but splurge from time to time on things you love to do.
#3 – Personal
Leave time each week for your favorite hobby. You want to have your own identity and not get lost in the role of being your mom’s family caregiver. If you love knitting, set aside an hour each week to knit. If you like painting, grab your paints and go outside to capture the greens of the trees and grass.
#4 – Physical
A half-hour of exercise is important for your mental and physical health. Get outside for a walk, sign up for a Yoga class, or go swimming. Make sure you’re doing something physical that makes you happy while stretching your muscles.
#5 – Social
Keep up with your social life. If your friends ask you to go out, go out with them. Sit outside and have a picnic at the beach, go to a restaurant and enjoy dinner together, or host a book club with plenty of wine and tasty foods. Don’t worry about your mom, she can have a home care aide helping her while you go out.
#6 – Space
Keep your space decluttered and organized. If you are surrounded by clutter, your mind is always going to be on the fact that it’s messy. The more organized and cozy your environment, the happier you’ll be.
#7 – Spiritual
Your mental health benefits by tapping into spiritual well-being. For some, a class like Tai Chi or Yoga helps find the peace and tranquility that’s needed. You might find it’s easier to appease your spiritual needs by keeping a journal or meditating.
#8 – Work
Finally, don’t let distractions keep you from getting your work done. If your mom is demanding that you stop and help her when you need to work, home care aides can tend to her while you go to work.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE IS CONSIDERING HOME CARE IN SUMMERLIN, NV, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE OF SUMMERLIN. 702-800-4616.