A new year means brand new chance to take care of yourself

What a year 2020was for everyone! I know that for caregivers, the pandemic created additional stress whether youwere caring for your loved one at home, from a distance, on in a facility.

So, it seems appropriate that we repeat— and update— the CaregiverNewYear’s Resolutions, especially since caregivers often need to be reminded to take care of themselves.

Don’t let the list intimidate you; pick two or three resolutions that will help you become a healthier and more joyful caregiver. Hang on to the list and in a few months, try something else.

Take time to plan and prioritize. Caregivers always seem to put more on their “to do” list than can reasonably be accomplished. Pick one thing that needs to be accomplished each day and if you can complete that, congratulate yourself. If not, remind yourself that there is always tomorrow

Keep in mind that there are things happening that are beyond your control. While you cannot prevent some things from happening, you can control howyou view and react to these events.

Commit to five, 10, 15 or more min

utes a day to do something you enjoy.

It might be reading, journaling, meditating, listening to music – whatever feeds your soul.

Get outside and enjoy the sunshine. If it’s cold, bundle up; the fresh air will be good for you!

Laugh. Often. Laughter relieves tension and brings people together. Laugh with your loved one, not at them. Laugh at yourself. Reach out to the people who make you laugh.

Accept what you can do; focus on what you can do. Be gentle to you. Don’t expect yourself to be perfect. Don’t expect to be able to do all of the things multiple staff and multiple shifts in a facility do. Remind yourself daily ( or even multiple times daily) that you are doing the best you can and then delegate. Ask for help. Accept help.

Let go of wishful thinking. Waiting for something to change that will most likely never change is awaste of your energy.

If planning for your loved one’s future hasn’t been done yet, begin that

process. Get their documents in order, look at possible care alternatives if the need should arise, and investigate what the cost and payment method of final arrangements will be.

Maintain your friendships. Socialize. Keep in touch by phone or virtually. Make sure that you have an event – phone call, zoom social, support group meeting - that you can look forward to each week/ month. If you haven’t learned howto use social media yet, make that a priority.

Take care of yourself. Start the NewYear out by scheduling your yearly physical, dental and vision appointments. Exercise and eat well. Get enough sleep; I know this is not as simple as it sounds. But try getting up the same time each day, going to bed only when you are sleepy and getting out of bed if you are not sleeping. Be open to alternativeways of caring for yourself ( massage, aromatherapy, support groups).

Practice saying “no” to requests for your time when you knowyou can’t ( or don’twant to) add anymore to your plate.

Live in the moment. If you are having a bad day, remember that it will pass. Recognize that you won’t always be exhausted. Look for the bright moments: did your loved one smile at you today? Did you finish folding the laundry? Did a friend call to say hello? Be grateful for and savor those times.

I hope each of you stays healthy and has a peaceful andHappy NewYear.

Caregiversworkshops

Planning for theWinter/ Spring 2021CaregiversWorkshops has been completed! Topics include A Positive Approach to Care, NavigatingMedical Care During a Crisis, MakingHealth Care Decisions Before a Crisis, Legal and Financial Advance Planning, and Stop AskingHowTheirDayWas. In addition, multiple sessions of the Virtual Dementia Live experience are scheduled. If youwould like to be added to our monthly email updates mailing, email caregiver_ support@ aacounty. org.

And keep in mind, as you choose which of the resolutions you are going to tackle, one of the ways you can care for yourself is by joining a caregiver support group. Anne Arundel County groups are nowmeeting two times amonth via zoom. Call ( 410- 2224339) or email at the above address for more information.

Questions and comments can be sent toMary Chaput at the Department of Aging and Disabilities, 2666 Riva Road, Suite 400, Annapolis, MD21401, or by contacting 410- 222- 4339 or agchap01@ aacounty. org.