Cooperative Living February 2020 - 22

HealthyTake
CARING FOR
YOURSELF
WHEN CARING
FOR ANOTHER
Make time
for yourself
Y
ou may feel that your needs aren't important right now. Or that you've spent so much
time caring for your loved one, there's no time left for yourself. Taking time for yourself
can help you be a better caregiver. This is even more true if you have health problems.
You may want to:
■ Find nice things you can do for yourself. You could watch TV,
call a friend, work on a hobby or do anything that you enjoy.
■ Be active. Even light exercise such as walking, stretching
or dancing can make you less tired.
■ Find ways to meet or connect with friends.
■ Give yourself more time off. Ask friends or family members
to pitch in.
Here are some other things that may help you:
■ Forgive yourself. Know that we all make mistakes whenever
we have a lot on our minds. No one is perfect and chances
are that you're doing what you can at this moment.
■ Cry or express your feelings. It's OK to show that you
are sad or upset.
■ Focus on things that are worth your time and energy.
Let small things go for now.
■ Don't take your loved one's anger personally. It's very
common for people to direct their feelings at those
who are closest.
■ Be hopeful. What you hope for may change over time.
Caring for
your body
Y
ou may feel too busy or worried about your loved one to think about your own health.
And yet it's common for caregivers to have sleep problems, headaches and anxiety, along
with other changes. But if you take care of yourself, you can lower your stress. Then
you will have the strength to care for someone else.
Did you have health problems before you
became a caregiver?
According to studies, about 60 percent of caregivers
show signs of clinical depression. What's more, caregivers
take more prescription drugs than the general population,
and many of these are for depression and anxiety. But who
has time to worry about oneself when a loved one needs
to be turned over or fed?
That's why it's even more important to take care of
yourself.
20 | Cooperative Living | February 2020
Keep up with your own health needs. Try to:
■ Go to all your checkups
■ Take your medications
■ Eat healthy meals
■ Get enough rest
■ Exercise
■ Make time to relax
These ideas may sound easy. But they can be hard to do for most
caregivers. Try to pay attention to how your body and your mind
are feeling. Do something for yourself each day. It doesn't matter
how small it is. Whatever you do, don't neglect yourself. 
Source: cancer.gov
co-opliving.com
Asking for help also helps your loved one.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Remember, if you get help
for yourself:
■ You may stay healthier and have more energy.
■ Your loved one may feel less guilty about your help.
■ Other helpers may offer time and skills that you don't have.
How can others help you?
People may want to help you but don't know what you need.
Here are some things you can ask them to do:
■ Cooking
■ Cleaning
■ Shopping
■ Yard work
■ Childcare
■ Eldercare
■ Errands (example: doctor visits, picking up your child or
going to the pharmacy)

http://www.cancer.gov http://www.co-opliving.com

Cooperative Living February 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Cooperative Living February 2020