Self-care is super important in general because it allows us to be healthy individuals when we take care of ourselves. This is why the Bible shares as the greatest commandment for us to love God with all of our hearts, and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
It’s even harder to take care of and love ourselves when we are responsible for taking care of other people that we love such as our parents. Care-takers, in general, often find it hard to balance taking care of themselves and others.
Studies show that after a loved one passes; care-takers left behind should get checked out at the hospital because often they’ve neglected themselves and may need to ensure they are still healthy. With millennials coming into more maturity and responsibility as adults by taking care of others and their affairs below are some things to do to assist in practicing self-care.
Be Open to re-evaluating & Adjusting Your Schedule
Recently, I’ve readjusted my schedule so that I can work out regularly instead of the here and there that I’d been doing since my mom moved in with me and my dad passed. Time management sometimes needs to be readjusted when circumstances in life change. Start by praying to God that he would show you how to readjust your time.
Prioritize what is important to you. Set goals to accomplish what is important to you. For example, you may need to ask for help or utilize an assistance program such as an adult daycare to allow your senior parents to be around other adults during the day where they can make friends. Ask family members for help when you want to go hang out if your parent cannot be alone. Where there is a will there is a way. Consider readjusting your time and plan to implement your readjustments.
Re-Commit to Maintain Your Health
Don’t stop doing the things that keep you healthy and make you smile. Keep a healthy routine. Establishing a healthy routine creates the habit of practicing good health. Things that should be in a healthy routine should be maintaining an early bed-time, limiting digital devices, and social media, meal-prepping healthy meals, and consistent exercise—at least 3 days per week at 30 mins. Also, getting fresh air, going for walks, and intaking vitamin D are all a part of a healthy routine. Finally, maintaining a healthy social network with others who value us for who we are. These all contribute to our physical, mental, social, and emotional health.
They also contribute to the overall enjoyment of life. If you enjoy dancing, dance, cycling, cycle, cooking, cook, being hospitable making others feel at home, do that. Prioritize some things you like to do for your self-care and personal health. Don’t forget to have quiet time and your favorite hot coffee, tea, or cocoa. Don’t forget to get a facial, wax, or anything that makes you feel beautiful. I like to take at least one day per week to do full-face make-up on myself. I may just take pictures and experiment with new lighting. These are some clear examples of self-care.
Do not Become so Busy that You are a Stranger to Your Family/Friends, but also Set Boundaries at Times: We need that time with our family. It settles us and reminds us we belong somewhere. It does the same for them especially as our parents get older. If they have not established life outside of the hustle and bustle of taking care of family and home; they may be confused as to what to do next or how to enjoy where they are. The check-ins of their children help to minister to their needs and refresh them in their worth. It’s so important.
Consider your social life. Have you checked-in with anyone. Does someone know you’re still alive, safe, and not depressed? I understand we’ve got goals and we want to grind, and there is a time and place for that, but there is also a time and place for rest and the joys of fellowship. Someone misses you and deep down, I’m sure you miss someone else. Create an opportunity to enjoy your family and friends. Don’t pass up on every invitation, but say yes to some fun adventures with friends and family.
Self-care also includes things like having the right perspective of yourself, forgiveness, thankfulness and such. Read more about this in my book: “The Wholeness Action Plan.“
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