Basically, herexecutive functioninghad deteriorated dramatically.
And we were doing all this while securing her in-home care as quickly and economically as we could.
I barely had time to eat or sleep, let alone consider things likeself-careor my own needs.
Verywell Mind / Getty Images
Think about it like putting your own oxygen mask on before helping someone else.
You cant help others if youre struggling to help yourself.
There isnt a one-size-fits-all solution.
Think about it like putting your own oxygen mask on before helping someone else.
You cant help others if youre struggling to help yourself.
Finding meaning outside of caregiving is personal and unique to each of us, says Teare.
You might find meaning fromrediscovering an old passionlike painting or playing guitar, she describes.
But for someone else, meaning might come from being in nature or spending time with loved ones.
I had to figure out what could add richness and nourishment to my life.
This meant scheduling these things into my life and beingverystrict with my schedule.
It meant being extremely intentional about how I thought about myself, my life, and mypersonal boundaries.
Heres what that all ended up looking like for me.
I also needed to take them up a notch.
I keep it simple.
I either walk around the neighborhood or do a yoga/Pilates class online.
Its my me time and it sets my day up with a bit more energy and clarity.
Also: thank you,endorphins.
I also make a point to meditate every morning after I exercise.
I do it for 10 minutes and usually use an app.
I am terrible atmeditating.
Im always thinking of five billion things.
But I am usually calmer on the days I meditate, so I continue showing up.
Mindful Moment
Need a breather?
I work on poems every Sunday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, no matter what.
I also find small chunks of time several evenings a week to write.
I was always expected to be the mature one, and to care for others.
I was basically the mother of my family, which meant that putting myself first was never an option.
Ive changed the thoughts in my head.
But, ummm, how on earth do you expect me to have the time as a caregiver?
But its also important to find pockets of time to care for yourself in the process.
Yep, that can take a huge toll on your mental health!
National Institute on Aging.What Is Dementia?
Symptoms, Types, and Diagnosis.
2018;12:342. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2018.00342].Front Hum Neurosci.
