What is Self Care?

Many of us believe if we put our needs before that of our loved one, we are being selfish, egotistical, or self-serving. That may be the case if you are neglecting your loved one, but not if you are preserving your health and/or well-being, in order to better care for your loved one.

I've stated it many times; you cannot be a good care provider if you do not take care of yourself first (or, if you prefer--along-side--your love one). I will admit I am a better preacher than I am a follower of my own advice. The old adage, "do as I say, not as I do" (or, don't, in my case) are often more true for me than taking care of my physical and emotional needs on a daily basis.

Because of my own propensity for leaving my needs till last, I can completely identify with those of you who put yourselves on the back burner while you're caring for you loved one.I'm here to tell you it isn't worth it. You won't gain anything by leaving your health (physical or spiritual) "till you have time". It won't save you any time or energy, and it might even cause you to be out of commission for a longer period of time, having to hire someone else to care for your loved one. You certainly don't want that! If you do not take care of yourself, you might end up in any number predicaments that could cost you dearly.

"Practice what you preach" is my new mantra! Sometimes just looking at the issue differently, or calling it by another name, is all it takes to make me feel less guilty for what I perceive as selfish. My sister and I were talking the other night and she mentioned "self care". I like that label. Self care is something I do for myself so that I can be a better caregiver to my loved one. Taking care of my needs and necessities for physical health and spiritual well being is not wrong. In fact, its exactly what I should do regularly, not only for myself but also for my loved one.

I know its difficult when your day is full of caring for your loved one, taking him/her to doctor appointments, fixing meals and other necessary tasks. Fitting in a doctor appointment or spa treatment for yourself is often problematic and challenging. But I can tell you from experience, being out of commission because of a stroke or some other health issue is far worse and certainly more time consuming.

So, I promise to do better at self care, if you'll promise to do better at self care. Let's strive to be the best caregivers for our loved ones (and ourselves) as
possible!