After more than a year of the COVID-19 pandemic’s quarantines, masking up with personal protective
equipment, and social distancing, life is starting to feel a little more normal, and for the millions of
Americans who consider themselves a caregiver, the sense of relief and hope as we return to familiar
routines may be even more pronounced. After months on the frontlines working under the stresses and
demands placed on them during the pandemic, not to mention the hard work of caring for others,
especially seniors, our healthcare heroes need some “me time.” That’s where self-care comes in.
Self-care puts YOU first
But what truly is self-care? Originally created within the medical community in the 1950s, the term “self-
care” started out as a way for residents in institutional settings to maintain some of their independence
through simple tasks such as physical exercise and caring for their appearance. Later on, other
professional communities adopted these practices as they noticed it helped to alleviate the post-
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms that first responders and medical students were regularly
experiencing from high levels of stress on the job.
Today, self-care is not limited to any one profession or setting; it has evolved beyond healthcare and has
come to mean the practice of actively tending to one’s own well-being.
Self-care has real, scientific benefits
The idea of creating specific time to care for oneself may seem frivolous at first. Between work, family
obligations, and jam-packed daily routines, many who care for others may feel like they don’t have time
for anything extra. But, consider the alternative. Burnout can take a disproportionate toll on CNAs and
health aides and result in mental and physical exhaustion. Self-care helps to safeguard against the stress
life will inevitably throw our way.
What are some of the benefits of self-care? Research from Everyday Health suggests self-care promotes
positive health outcomes, such as fostering resilience, living longer, and becoming better equipped to
manage stress.
Exercise, in particular, can even help individuals to better manage their emotions in difficult situations.
In addition to lowering cortisol (the stress hormone), self-care shifts your focus from others to yourself,
thereby pressing the reset button on your energy stores. The best part? Being present and taking time
for yourself allows you to be more present for others.
Self-care doesn’t have to be extreme
While a bubble bath and a Netflix marathon might be Hollywood’s version of self-care, taking care of
yourself doesn’t have to be extravagant, expensive or time-consuming. It can include such simple
actions as:
- Asking for help with work responsibilities, household chores, errands, and shopping
- Remembering to breathe deeply
- Prioritizing your own health and wellness over that of others
- Putting yourself first - your physical and emotional well-being
- Eating healthy and delicious foods
- Making time for daily movement outside of work
- Creating boundaries, both physical and emotional, to allow yourself to have some space and privacy
Looking for more ideas and inspiration? Senior Star has put together the helpful guide, Self-Care for the
Caregiver, that you can download here.
