Pillar 3:
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Pillar 3:
Commit to Your Own Self-Care
“ Put your oxygen mask on first.”“ Make sure you take care of yourself.”“ Don’ t let your battery run dry.”
Chances are, you’ ve heard these phrases— maybe one time too many— and wondered,“ How am I supposed to find time for that?” You, like many other care partners, may feel there’ s no time or space for self-care. You might feel guilty about not caring for yourself when you know you should, or you might feel selfish for attending to your needs and well-being when your loved one“ needs you more.”
Self-care isn’ t a luxury or an extra: It’ s a necessity. Self-care isn’ t selfish. It’ s part of your job as a care partner. Taking care of yourself allows you to care for your loved one as best you can and as long as you can. When you don’ t regularly refill your tank, you eventually run out of gas. And that can mean mood changes, sleep problems and burnout, all of which can lead to poorer health for both you and your loved one.
Still, knowing and doing are two different things. How can you care for yourself when the day is already full?
What Is Self-Care?
Self-care is everything you do to support your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. Each aspect of your well-being is equally important, but different areas may need more attention than others at different times or at different points in Parkinson’ s.
Physical self-care. Keeping your body as healthy as possible( particularly with aging), getting care for symptoms or diseases you live with, spending time moving your body each day.
Emotional self-care. Managing your moods and feelings, coping with difficult situations, practicing gratitude and optimism, where possible.
Mental self-care. Caring for your brain like you do your body so you can think clearly, practice good judgement, make decisions and solve problems.
Spiritual self-care. Knowing your purpose, finding meaning and hope in life, connecting to something bigger than yourself.
Self-care is also about setting boundaries. Reduce your load by setting realistic expectations and turning down demands or activities that contribute to stress, like hosting holidays or organizing events. Clear your calendar of activities that drain you whenever you can. Know your limits and remember that“ No” is a complete sentence. Sometimes saying no is the kindest thing you can do for yourself.
Honestly, I’ m not great at self-care. I tried to stay connected with friends, go out and talk about what was happening. You have to let yourself feel normal sometimes.
Kate Harmon
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