One thing that you might never seem to have enough of as a caregiver is time, especially that you’re able to devote just to yourself. Here are some tips that can help.

Set Some Strong Boundaries

When you have strong boundaries, you’re able to tell in moments when a situation isn’t working for you. As a caregiver, some of the boundaries you’ll want to set might include saying no to activities that take you away from both caregiving and your own time. You might also find that the more you say no to the things you don’t want or need to do, the more time you have to do the things you want to do.

Get Creative

You’re probably already great at being creative as a caregiver, but when is the last time that you made something? Crafting and hobbies are wonderful ways to take time for yourself because you’re doing something that has nothing to do with work or with caregiving and you’re letting the creative side of your personality flourish.

Make Relaxation Mandatory for Yourself

You spend a lot of time figuring out how to do the things you have to do, right? So start making activities like relaxing mandatory for yourself. When you look at those activities that recharge and refresh you as something that you have to do, you’ll schedule them into your calendar and you’re more likely to make them happen.

Go to Bed a Little Earlier

When you start going to bed just a little bit earlier each day, you might first find that you’re catching up on sleep you’ve been missing. Eventually, though, you might start to realize that you’re waking up a smidge earlier, too. That few minutes of extra time is perfect for doing something just for you, like reading or meditating.

Set Technology Hours for Yourself

Technology can demand a lot from you. From notifications that never seem to stop or phones that keep you too connected, something has to give. Unfortunately, most of the time that’s you. Start setting technology hours for yourself. Make sure that you have a way to get contacted if there’s an emergency, but otherwise stick to your tech hours so that you have some time away from technology, too.

Remember that you don’t have to be on call all the time as a caregiver. Ask family members if they can step in for you periodically or hire elderly care providers to give you peace of mind. Taking time away is healthy and it gives you room to remember what it’s like to just be you.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Homecare in San Mateo, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.

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andy@hcprosonline.com

CEO at HomeCare Professionals

Andy Howardis a Bay Area Native who holds a BA in Political Science (University of Colorado at Boulder, ’97). After college Andy worked in the surging tech industry.His Grandmother however, would suffer a significant decline in health and ultimately needed in-home care. The experience of a loved one depending on outside help to age in place proved to be pivotal for Andy as he left the tech industry in 2002 for an opportunity in the home care world with a large provider. After having success in home care, but being frustrated by corporate constraints Andy founded HomeCare Professionals in 2005.He methodically built the company one client at a time by focusing on hiring quality caregivers to ensure positive outcomes. Currently Andy serves as the CEO of HomeCare Professionals and is also highly active in the non-profit organization California Association of Health Services at Home (CAHSAH) which advocates for a higher standard of in-home care for those who wish to remain living at home in California.

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