Looking after Others, Looking Tips for Carers by Patrice Reilly, HSE A self-care moment can be simply that – a moment, or it can be longer. It is about figuring out what works for you in your life. It is about striving for balance in your life. As a carer, YOU are the tools of your trade. It is important to nurture your basic needs in order to ensure you do not burn out. You wouldn’t let this happen to your phone. Don’t let this happen to you, either. SELF CARE IS A PRIORITY FOR EVERYONE, NOT A LUXURY. It is especially important to be aware of it during the times we are living in and even more so if you are looking after others. So what is self-care? What does it mean for you? You are the expert on your life and the how each of us self-care is as unique and individual as we are ourselves. It does not have to mean spending lots of money on spa trips and expensive pampering. Similarly, it is not something that requires you to take a lot of time out of your already busy schedule. It is more about the simple daily habits that we engage in on a regular basis to manage and improve our health and well-being.
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Stop! Press pause for a moment. Notice and become more aware of your mind’s thoughts, your body’s sensations and your own behaviours. Is your sleep disrupted? Are you more irritable? Are you finding it difficult to concentrate? Do you find yourself more worried than usual? Are you skipping meals or usual routines and habits? Have you neglected caring for your spiritual self? What is your heart telling you? Acknowledge what you observe. Allow yourself the time to care for your whole self. Notice if you have skipped basic daily habits, e.g. that cup of tea, that short walk. We cannot care for others without first caring for ourselves.
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