Caring for yourself and others simultaneously may prove to be difficult, but that does not have to be the case. It may also be typical to set goals for yourself at the beginning of every year to set the purpose of improving your overall quality of life.

As we begin the new year, caregivers can consider these four goals shared by DailyCaring for guidance on setting goals with intention to improve their well-being.

• Get help so you are not doing everything by yourself. When taking care of a loved one, reach out to family or friends for help with doing chores, running errands, etc. A little help can go a long way and you may just find yourself a little more relieved.
• Take time for yourself every day. Caring for someone who may need round-the-clock care can be time consuming, but it is important to find some time for yourself. Take micro breaks throughout the day or a quick breathing exercise for a few minutes. Everyone needs regular me time.
• Schedule regular breaks. If possible, hire in-home help or reach out to family members to help cover short shifts so you can take a well-deserved break to continue to care for your loved one.
• Stop wishful thinking. Wishing or hoping that something will change even though you have seen the same outcome time after time can drain your energy. Instead, accepting the way things are will allow you to focus your energy towards something valuable.

Caring for others is gracious work but take some time for yourself to rest and recharge.

To learn more about caregiver resources and support near you, speak with a Community Resource Specialist: (408) 350-3200, option 1.