Are you caring for an aging or ailing parent? If so, your own self-care may be the last thing on your “to-do” list as you prioritize making sure your parent is cared for and protected. During “Self-Care Awareness Month,” take some time to make sure that you prioritize your own self-care. Taking time to better yourself can enable you to be the best caregiver you can possibly be for your parent. Let us take a look at three “self-care” tips to try this month.
- Keep yourself physically healthy. While you spend your day making sure your mother or father has eaten healthy meals, spent some time being active, and gotten enough rest, make sure you practice what you preach. Remember to fuel your body with three balanced meals a day, pick up endorphins through some form of exercise, like running, walking, yoga, or hiking, and recharge your body with a good night’s sleep.
- Avoid disregarding your own emotional health. Try to prioritize at least 10 minutes of “me time” every day. It may not matter what form your “me time” takes. You may choose to journal your thoughts and feelings, meditate in silence, soak up some fresh air out in nature, listen to your favorite music, watch your favorite show on Netflix, or catch up with friends or family over coffee. Choose to dedicate at least a small portion of your day to your own self-care.
- Plan for the future. Taking on the responsibility of caring for your parent can be overwhelming and stressful, especially as you think about long term issues and concerns. Enlist the help of an experienced elder law attorney to explain all of your options for caring for your parent, and to make sure that a comprehensive estate plan is in place so that he or she are legally protected and you can focus on being there for him or her in the way you are needed most.
Putting legal tools in place to help plan for and protect your future and that of your loved ones can be an effective form of self-care as it can put your mind at ease. For more information, please reach out to our office to schedule an appointment.