Today I am going to talk about self-care. This is something that is widely taught and encouraged in the medical field. As a CNA we are told to practice self-care on our days off.
Because trying to care for others when you are empty is very hard and you will have emotional breakdowns if you do not take care of yourself.
As a caregiver for over 4 years in the healthcare field, I have made my self-care days a holy day that will not be, for any reason disturbed. This might only be soaking in the tub with Epsom salt and essential oils for 20 minutes. It could be that and laying on the couch, binge-watching my favorite shows. Whatever it is, it is important not to bother me because I will not be able to recharge and be able to care for others properly on my next shift. I covet my days off and am very protective of them. You have to be when you are in healthcare because it takes so much energy and sacrifice to care for others.
Now, as a full-time mommy, I find that I have to steal away for only short periods of respite. This means maybe only five minutes in the shower. If I do happen to wake up earlier than my son, I will try and get a 20-minute soak in the tub with my favorite oils.
I have also found a few hours free, sometimes, to go and hang out with a friend, when I can convince my husband to watch our son. But for me personally, I do my best recharging when I am able to get alone, and close a door and either read or do something that is quite where I can still my mind.
Trying to get self-care in now is slightly harder, and I am not able to call off the job for a mental health day like I was before. (Believe me, you need to be able to do that if you can.) Mental health is an important part of being healthy. If you can not gather your wits about you, then you will be a poor employee. We all need to take time for our mental health as well as our physical health.
That is something we put off though, and there is an epidemic of people being seen for anxiety and depression. These things if left untreated can result in heart attacks, and other major illnesses even cancer.
When someone is no longer able to care for themselves properly they have to have help. That is why the Home Health Care business is booming. There are so many people today who are no longer able to care for themselves, be it from an injury or a chronic illness or a mental illness.
Dorothea Orem RN published her theory of self-care.
You can read it here: https://www.slideshare.net/JosephineAnnNecor/05-dorothea-orems-self-care-theory
I recently found Fab Fit Fun
It is a quarterly subscription of personal items with beauty and health as well as some fun items for the home. It is a way for someone t0 practice self-care for an easy price. Most of the items in the box cost more than the subscription price of $49.99.
I got my first box yesterday and have been very happy. I practiced some self-care this morning with the body care products. It made me feel so refreshed, and I was able to pour back into my son, as well as a good friend who was in need of some respite care herself.
It has been a while since I really spent some good money on myself. I sometimes have buyers remorse. I do not feel this way with my FabFitFun Box, because the items in the box are a great value and the price of the box is justifiable. Even on our very tight budget. It comes only 4 times per year, and you will be able to customize your box after your first welcome box.
I hope that I was able to convince you to take time out for yourself, and maybe also buy a FabFitFun Box too.
Please comment below and let me know your favorite self-care activities.