I’ve often been asked about being a caregiver and what I do for self-care, to stay focused and energized, and to keep up with our day to day life. At times, it is not easy. I just want to lay down and nap in my blanket fort, but there is such a thing as caregivers needing care.
One great thing about organizations like the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Hidden Heroes, VA Caregiver Support, Wounded Warrior Project, VetTix, USAA Educational Fund, and other programs like the George W. Bush Institute, Team 43 Sports (and many, many more nationally), is that they not only help the veteran, but they want to help the family and children of the Veteran as well.
Military families are just like any other family, they just have had some obstacles or challenges from time to time. There are some caregivers that spend at least 40 hours a week caring for their Veteran (and family, while working or simply just taking care of their warrior). Caregivers need quality care as well, and they also need to focus on the wellness, employment, and education for their families. Some caregivers put their job or career on hold, some caregivers do not work outside of the home, and some work outside of the home in addition to caring for their warrior and also caring for children or other family members.
There are many ways to practice self care, and I’ve addressed this before in some of my posts. Here are few things you can try to incorporate into your schedule, even if you feel like you can’t fit one more thing on your agenda, pencil in one more thing on your calendar (trust me, I’m there, we have ALL the things this week)…
1. Get more sleep. I know what you may be thinking, “yeah, right.” Give yourself time to recharge. I am a HUGE fan of naps. Seriously. I love naps. And sometimes, a good twenty or thirty minutes is just what I need. Give yourself a chance to rest, let your brain take a rest, and then have a full battery for the next day.
2. Eat food that makes you feel good. This is so hard sometimes because, let’s be real, junk food. I have had a hankering for a good burger lately, and I’m going to get it soon! The best thing to do is eat something that will make you feel happy and energized (even if it is Taco Bell). Trying something new, we love to try new recipes, so find something good and put food into your body!
3. Have a conversation with a loved one or close friend. There’s nothing like a good conversation (some belly laughs) and a cup (or two or three) of coffee! Try to find time to meet up with someone, or call someone (you know, on the phone), and have a chat about life! You’ll be so glad you did and surprised at all the things you can talk about!
4. Write things out in a journal. High fives all around for this one! I have gone back to journaling (yes, I blog, but I also write down things too). Sometimes if you are not ready to talk about certain things or topics with someone, the journal can become your friend. This is also a source of relaxation or give you a chance to reflect on that busy time you’ve had.
5. Watch a movie. Sam and I love movies! Sometimes it takes a while to decide on a particular one, but we love to get popcorn and snacks, curl up with blankets and watch a movie. Netflix is also good, just be careful that you don’t sit and watch a whole season of a show in one weekend.
6. Get a massage!!! Oh my word, laying on that table and snoozing (hey, its a good compliment for the masseuse) is so nice! I’ve had a good weekend with girlfriends, and our treat to ourselves was a massage! Good times!! It might be nerve wracking, but it will be relaxing, I promise! Plus you will feel great!
7. Take a walk. Walking our dogs is really a nice treat for everyone. We get to spend time outside and with the dogs, which is always a good thing. In addition to Memphis we have two other dogs (Archie and Kip), so we have to make sure they all get out and about. Walking is also very peaceful.
8. Plan an evening of rest. We actually had a weekend of rest. With Veteran’s Day, there were a lot of emotions. The ups and downs of the day, little to no communication with some people, it was taxing. We took time to spend with one another and it was great!
9. Read inspirational quotes or listen to inspirational stories or speeches. TED Talks. I’m telling you, you can find anything and everything that someone has presented in a way that will leave you inspired or motivated. Heck, they may even make you feel like you could present a TED Talk, too!
10. Hug someone. I don’t recommend this for strangers, folks you may not know, but I do recommend hugging your loved ones. To me, there’s nothing better than a hug from my kiddos or Sam. There’s comfort in their hug, there’s a feeling like no other being hugged by your children (especially when they try to give you a bear hug). Hugs are free. Kindness is free. Spread that stuff, y’all.
It is important that we take care of the ones around us, but also important that we take care of ourselves. I get worn down. I get tired. We all have good days and bad days. Knowing how to recharge ourselves and conquer the day is helpful, it is key. I’m not saying these steps are the way to go, but they are a few things that happen from time to time in our home.
I love these people. We are so lucky to do this thing called life together. I can’t imagine our busy life any other way.
