Send Cathy a text:)

As Caregivers, we wear this invisible caregiver badge of honor and are just trying to stay healthy, grateful and positive.   We are struggling and challenged, but when we focus on gratitude, staying healthy and positive, we can make the best of our caregiving journey and the challenges we are facing.  

If you are sick, burned out, tired, angry, frustrated or overwhelmed, your loved one and whole family will sense it or even model it.  Your physical and emotional state affects everyone else. So you must take care of yourself. You’ll be a better caregiver if you take care of your own needs and put yourself first.

When our loved ones are not feeling well and/or they are inpatient.   It’s easy to just not eat or grab the junk food but food gives us energy and boosts our mood. Sure you can’t be perfect with your eating all the time but you can plan ahead.  

You also have to think through things that can pass time and are fun to do.   Couple fun things I do was journaling more.  I find cubby holes in the clinics or home to journal and my gratitude.  I also taught myself to knit.  It’s not pretty and there are tons of mistakes.  But I am embracing a new skills and when you have both hands on the needles, you can’t multi task.  You have to let yourself knit.  I loved the fact I could think and just be. I also colored (library).  Yes, the had adult coloring books and fun colored pencils.  I just sat at the desk in our room and colored.  I quieted all my negative and worrying thoughts and just colored.   It was so relaxing and fun.  

Mental well-being is just as important for you and I.   What can you do to release your feelings and thoughts?  If you are feeling worried or angry or guilty or frustrated, what is your “go to” hobby or passion.   Maybe it’s cooking or baking or reading or prayer or meditation or a bath.  

As you move into this week I want you to think through how you are going to take care of yourself FIRST,  Yes, first.   Where can you add time in for movement, eating healthy, time to recharge, some fun and rest.     I only skimmed the surface on self-care here today but these 4 are important  (movement, nutrition, mental well-being and fun).    

If you haven’t listened to Episode 59:  The importance of recharging each day - put that as one to listen to for further inspiration and motivation this week.   Go to cathylvan.com/episode59

Lastly, I want to hear what you are doing to take care of yourself.   Just one - don’t overcomplicate it.   Start simple.   Go to The Caregiver Cup Facebook Page or tag me on Instagram @cathylynnvan.   Let’s do this together and help each other with some ideas.     I would love to see pics - maybe you love to dance, or paint or meal prepping.  

Take care friend and as always, don’t forget the importance of filling your cup first.  You can’t be the best caregiver for your loved one if you are not taking care of yourself.   

Love you and we will talk with you next week.  

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