When we think about the roles of caregivers, we think of all the requirements to care for someone else. We look for basic needs: eating, drinking, safety, and hygiene. We consider the relationship between the caregiver and the person receiving care, we look for experience in taking care of others and for technical abilities. We seek skills that can build on each other to form problem-solving techniques and individual characteristics that fit the family dynamic. What is overlooked is the self-care of the caregiver.
Whether you are a parent of a child with special needs, a parent that takes care of everyone else, or a caregiver employee, self-care is essential in order to maintain your capacity to care for others. It bears repeating: Self-care is necessary! One more time: Self-care is necessary! There are multiple ways to practice self-care (exercise, meditation, friend meetups, hobbies, etc.). The most important thing is to find your self-care routine and make it a habit.
The same way you create routines as a caregiver, you must create your self-care routine.
Feeling selfish or uncomfortable will be part of the self-care experience in the beginning. As you begin to make it routine, you will notice changes in yourself and also changes in how you show up as a caregiver. Take some time to think about what self-care looks like for you and times in your day you schedule time for it. There are multiple resources that make suggestions and can guide you through your self-discovery process. Over time you will see the changes in yourself and changes in your relationships with others.
Hopefully, once you finish this, you will put on your running shoes and walk out the door for a long run or coffee with friends.