Care for your body by attending to your basic needs for nourishment and nurturance. Healthy foods, consistent meals and snacks, hydration, regular exercise, and sufficient quality sleep and rest are important factors that can reduce the negative effects of the chronic stress of caregiving and promote resilience. Monitor and moderate your intake of caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and nicotine. Don’t forget to focus on your own healthcare needs. Discuss your caregiver status with your physician and other healthcare professionals.

Care for your mind by identifying the positive aspects and rewards of caregiving on a regular basis. Ask yourself the question:”What am I learning from this experience?” Acknowledge and recognize your efforts, commitment, and contributions. You may not be able to change the reality of the caregiving situation; but you can change your perception of it and your response to it.

Care for your emotional and psychological self by cultivating awareness and acceptance of your changing feelings and moods. Share your feelings and struggles with others. Reach out to your family, friends, and community. Consider joining a support group for caregivers or seeking professional counseling.

Care for your Spiritual Self in a way that is most meaningful to you. A spiritual or religious community may provide comfort, compassion, and support.  Engaging in practices such as reflection, prayer, contemplation, or meditation may be helpful. Creating your own meaningful rituals may also provide solace.

SelectCare would like to acknowledge Sarah Waxse, LCSW, Caregivers Services, HealthOutreach, 212-746-4365 for the contribution of this article.