Self Care Inventory

September is here.  In some parts of the world it means the beginning of autumn, a changing of the seasons.  Pumpkins, fall foliage, sweaters, and hot drinks.

Here in southeast Texas it really just means hot weather for a few more weeks.  The summer heat can wear you out.  It’s hard to have the energy to keep moving.

The new month also means the year is moving towards its end.  Lots of holidays occur during those last few months. Talk about needing more energy! 

The best way to keep pushing through busy seasons of your life is healthy self care.  While we talk about self care for caregivers here at The Heart of Hospice, everybody can benefit from an individualized self care regimen.

Not sure what your Self Care should look like?  Here’s how you should be able to describe it:

1. Enjoyable

2. Energizing

3. Affordable

4. Calming

5. Sustainable

6. Individualized (just the right fit for you)

7. Relaxing

8. Fun!

If you can’t say that your Self Care is any of these things, ask yourself some questions.

1. Do I have time for this activity?

2. Does it stimulate my mind?

3. Do I even like this?

4. Can I afford the cost?

5. Can I do this on a regular basis?

6. Is it healthy?

7. Do I feel better when I do this?

8. Is someone holding me accountable for my Self Care?

9. What do I need to do differently?

It’s good to occasionally do a Self Care check in, or inventory.  How successful have you been? Are you feeling the effects of caregiver burnout or compassion fatigue?  Maybe you need to make some changes to your Self Care choices.

Consider all the possibilities for your Self Care – the options are endless!  Things that you can do on a daily basis are a great way to start. Your Self Care can’t wait for your annual week-long vacation.  You need it now. You need it every day.

Check out our Self Care page inside Resources for some ideas to get you started.  Let us hear from you about the things that work well for you and the things that flop.   If you’re a caregiver you’ve probably learned that you can’t care for others if you don’t care for yourself.

Until next time, take care of your Self!