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As a caregiver, you give
of yourself to another. It is important that we all take time to
"re-fuel." It is only by making sure that we have our own needs met that
we can be present for others.
How do we make sure to meet our own needs? The following is a healthy
caregiver's checklist. Take a moment to ask yourself these important
questions:
- Am I getting
enough sleep?
- Am I eating
well-balanced meals?
- Do I get regular
exercise?
- Have I talked with
someone outside the home today?
- Am I taking time
for relaxation and renewal?
- Am I asking for
help when I need it from family, friends, and other supportive services?
- Am I continuing to
be involved and stay connected with other family, friends, and
neighbors?
- Am I in touch with
my own feelings?
- Am I sharing my
concerns with someone who cares?
- Do I give myself
permission to feel whatever I am feeling?
- Did I laugh today?
- Did I hug someone
today?
- Did I let someone
hug me today?
- What
humorous/pleasant/good things happened today?
- What do I receive
from being a caregiver?
You may want to take time to meditate on some or all of these questions.
Or, to take it a step further, you may want to journal about some or all
of these points. Remember, taking time for yourself is one important thing
you can do for the one(s) you care for.
-Jennifer Burkhart, The ALS Association,
with ideas from Mary McHardy,
facilitator of Duluth Support Group.
taken from the ALS
Association Informer
Minnesota Chapter
May/Jun/Jul 2001
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