Keeping Yourself Healthy When You Also Take Care Of Others
Having the responsibility of looking after and taking care of other can be a really life-enriching thing. We are programmed to want to give love and kindness and generosity to one another. In doing so, we get those emotions and benefits back ourselves. This is only elevated further when we do this kindness for loved ones, or as a professional.
However, we are all also aware that in doing so, we can often take away a small piece of yourself. In giving so much to others, we can often forget that we need to keep some for ourselves. Doing so is the only way to keep yourself healthy. After all, if you are not healthy you won’t be able to take care of others 100%.
So, how can you keep yourself healthy when you also take care of others? Let’s look at a few ways.
Enlist help from professionals
It could be that you take care of others as a profession. Maybe you a nurse, or a child care professional, for example. In this case, you are the professional. But what about if your care is for a loved one, and is voluntary. Perhaps you have a poorly kid or a widowed parent. In these cases, enlisting the help of others can make all the different. Healthcare providers like BrightStar Care offer a variety of help. Whether it’s a medical professional or some in-home care, these types of people can make all the difference. For the person who needs the assistance, they provide another shoulder to lean on. For you, they allow for a little less pressure and responsibility. Both incredibly valuable things.
Schedule your days off
Having time off from your daily stresses and strains is one of the best ways to keep your mental health in check. If your mental health begins to suffer, then everything else may well follow. So, just as you schedule your work, home, and social commitments, also schedule your days off. Try and take at least one full day off per week. It may be the case that currently grab free hours where you can, but work seven days out of seven. However, doing this is unlikely to be recharging your batteries sufficiently. A day off doesn’t have to be expensive or extravagant. Of course, it can be if you like- how about a spa treatment and nice lunch? However, almost as valuable is just taking some time to do you. Potter around the house, read your favorite book, listen to a new album. Just be sure that you schedule this time in.
Don’t neglect your body
While this last point may seem obvious, it is one that we forget all too often. Your personal health is so much down to the way you look after your body. While going for a run at the end of a busy day might seem like the last thing you want to do, go. While you might fancy bingeing on a pizza, take the time to make a fresh salad instead.