Self Care Strategies for Support People
Supporting the ones we love through difficult times can sometimes take a toll on our own health. Often we become the ones we think about last. So during these times it can be beneficial to take a few moments out of your day to check in with yourself and see how you are doing and what needs you may have. Below are a few examples of things you can do to keep looking after you:
- Take time out and go for a walk, to a cafe or visit a friend
- Monitor your own eating habits and make sure you are getting a wide range of fruit, veges and protein in your diet
- Watch a favourite movie or check out a new one at the cinema that you have been wanting to see
- Have a nice relaxing bath with smellies
- Drink more herbal teas
- Ensure that you have support around you, if not from friends and family then from a community organisation
- Listen to music
- Go pick some flowers
- If you notice your mood is feeling low then perhaps talking with a counsellor could help you feel on track again
- Remember to smile and laugh!
- Read a book that doesn't require too much intensive concentration
- Take a weekend out to the bush or beach
- Read something relaxing before bed rather than watching television
- Under some circumstances people are entitled to carer support otherwise known as respite care. If you would like to know more then please consult your medical professional.
These are but a few examples of things you can do for yourself. We all have different ways in which we like to relax. Try to take some time to write a list of things that you feel assist you to look after yourself and make sure you do at least one strategy per day. You may even like to stick it on the fridge to remind yourself that you are important too!
