Jackson
County
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35 Tips of How to Care For Yourself
- Set realistic goals and expectations.
- Establish your limits.
- Set priorities and pace yourself.
- Forgive yourself for not being perfect.
- Learn to "let go." Your loved one can survive a few hours without you.
- Involve your family from the beginning by sharing your concerns with them.
- Have an awareness of the losses to come.
- Accept and embrace what life has handed you.
- Maintain a playful, curious spirit.
- Ask for and accept help.
- Be kind to yourself.
- Think carefully before taking action.
- Take a walk to cool down.
- Express your feelings honestly.
- Exercise regularly.
- Learn to communicate differently with your loved one as cognitive and language abilities decline.
- Take one day at a time, but don't neglect to plan for the future.
- Recognize the hidden grief component of your anger, anxiety, guilt and depression.
- Stop the anger-guilt-anger cycle by forgiving yourself for being angry.
- Meditate to control emotions by deliberately slowing down movements, controlling breathing, and thinking of beautiful things.
- Eat healthy and nutritious meals.
- Get enough sleep.
- Keep and stick with your diary.
- Maintain or establish social contacts.
- Use community resources.
- Take time for yourself.
- Hold a family meeting.
- Keep a sense of humor.
- Stress the positive.
- Reward yourself.
- Build friendships and support systems.
- Seek professional assistance.
- Get regular medical check-ups.
- Listen to soft music to relax.
- Know your limitations and seek the right balance.
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University of Missouri Extension Jackson County Jacksonblsp@missouri.edu Updated 12/13/06 |
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