• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Privacy Policy
  • Blog
    • Comment Policy
  • Contact
    • Media Kit

Evelyn's Blog

Lifestyle, Health, Fitness, Self-Care, Personal Growth

  • Healthy Living
    • Diet & Nutrition
    • Recipes
  • Weight Loss
  • Fitness
  • Self-Care
  • Personal Growth
  • Reviews
  • Other Stuff
    • Blog Topics
You are here: Home / Self-Care / 4 Simple Ways to Incorporate Self-Care When You are a Caretaker

4 Simple Ways to Incorporate Self-Care When You are a Caretaker

August 28, 2018 by Evelyn Parham

self-careMitch of I’m Just Sharing is the inspiration for this blog post.  Sometimes he stops by my blog and leaves a comment. He commented on Letting Go of What Longer ServesMe Pays Off which made me think about how people who are caretakers need to incorporate self-care rituals.

How can a caretaker take time for self-care when they have to be there for a parent or child who needs them the most? Mitch has shared that he is the Caretaker of his Mother and so I hope he does not mind me mentioning it.

But Mitch has been there for is Mother, while most people who have siblings would have put their Mom in a nursing home, Mitch chose to take on the responsibility of caring for his Mom.

She is in good hands with him, and I know he probably gets tired, but he continues because he knows his Mother needs him. I commend you Mitch for all that you do for your Mother.

Today, I give you four simple ways to incorporate self-care in your life when you are a Caretaker.

I am Also a Caretaker

But before I do that I want you to know that, I am the caretaker of my daughter, with the help of my husband, who has Trisomy 21. Although she can do a lot on her own, there are a few things for which she needs assistance.

A typical child her age would not need their parents as much, but she does, and I am here for her. There are times when I do not take time for self-care which effects my attitude and outlook on life.

My key to having a great attitude and outlook on life is prayer and trusting God, and incorporating self-care rituals.

4 Ways to Incorporate Self-Care When You are a Caretaker

Although I am not an expert in the self-care arena, I can only tell you what I do and hopefully, you will find these tips helpful.

#1 Make a concerted effort for some quiet time.

As a caretaker, it is sometimes impossible to have time alone, but it is a must that you do this. Quiet time is excellent for relaxing and reflecting. I squeeze quiet time in when the time presents itself, and you can do the same. Be creative.

#2 Do something special for yourself.

It may be a challenge getting away, but if you can get someone to sit with your loved one, do it. You may want a few hours of pampering from someone other than yourself. Go for it, get that facial, body massage, manicure, pedicure, or haircut that you been postponing. Or you may want to treat yourself to your favorite restaurant. Do something that gives you joy.

#3 Take a leisurely walk.

Walking has many benefits, but going for a walk helps with clearing your mind and managing stress. When I can go for leisurely walks in my neighborhood, it connects me with nature. I love it because I can see the environment in its splendor. The sounds of nature are enough to calm my spirit.

#4 Sleep more, not less.

As caretakers we think that we can run on little to no sleep, not getting an adequate amount of rest creeps on you in subtle ways. Sometimes you will be irritated, fatigued without realizing that you only got 4-5 hours of sleep. Sleep is not just beneficial for the body, but it is good for the mind too. Do what you can to ensure you are getting enough sleep.

Final Words

Self-care is one of the most important acts of love to do for yourself. It is not a selfish act.

Take care of yourself, so you are the best Caretaker for your loved one.

Do not skimp on self-care. If you are not doing self-care rituals, start by doing one simple act at a time.

As long as you are doing something for yourself, it makes for a healthier, happier you.

You give your best to your loved one, but invest time in caring for yourself and in doing so, life is better for everyone.

Until next time,

Take care of you, and OWN IT

If you like this post, consider joining my mailing list by clicking here. – Thank you!

 

Like it? Share it!:

  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • More
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: Self-Care Tagged With: self-awareness, self-care, Self-Help, self-love, sleep, stress

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 61 other subscribers

About Evelyn Parham

Evelyn is a blogger, reader, and book reviewer. She enjoys adult coloring, knitting, writing, and dancing with her daughter. Learn more here

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amy says

    December 28, 2018 at 11:28 AM

    Amen to all of this! I am caretaker for my elderly and ill mother in law, my family in general and am a caregiver by profession for a client with Alzheimer’s.

    I need to incorporate more self care. Thanks for the reminder!

    Loading...
    • Evelyn Parham says

      December 28, 2018 at 11:57 AM

      Hey, Amy! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experience as a caretaker. You have a lot on your plate. Self-care is important and I know you got this. Have a great weekend!

      Loading...
  2. Denise Shead says

    August 28, 2018 at 6:16 PM

    Evelyn, this blog post is right on point. I’m also a caretaker. My husband had a stroke 9 years ago that left him paralyzed on one side of his body. I’m learning that if I don’t take care of myself, I can’t take care of others. Thanks for the words of encouragement!!

    Loading...
    • Evelyn Parham says

      August 28, 2018 at 7:07 PM

      Hey Denise!
      I am so glad you commented and that you are encouraged by this post.
      Thank you for sharing about your husband. He has a fantastic woman in his corner.
      God bless you and your family! 🙂

      Loading...

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Recent

  • Why You Need to Build Yourself Quietly: Be Silent
  • Out with the Old, In with the New
  • What did we do before the internet?
  • 5 Simple Habits for a Healthier You in 2025
  • New Year Goals For 2025: Fitness, Write, Weight Loss

Categories

About Evelyn

Evelyn is a blogger, reader, and book reviewer. She enjoys adult coloring, knitting, writing, and dancing with her daughter. Learn more here Read More…

Main Pages

  • About
    • Disclaimer
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Privacy Policy
  • Blog
    • Comment Policy
  • Contact
    • Media Kit

Archives

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

© 2025 · Evelyn Parham · Built on the Genesis Framework

 

Loading Comments...
 

    %d