Self-care is often an important action and ritual for the stresses of modern life, but for caregivers, it's not just a luxury—it's a necessity. This podcast episode delves into the art of self-care, specifically tailored for those who spend their days caring for others. The conversation begins with a reflective look at the past year, urging caregivers to assess their 2023 journey and set intentions for a rejuvenated 2024.

Listeners are walked through a visualization exercise aimed at confronting overwhelming feelings, a common morning greeting for many caregivers. The power of this mental exercise lies in its ability to create a resilient strategy for managing stress. It emphasizes that while caregiving can be an all-consuming role, the caregiver's well-being is paramount and deserves equal attention.

The episode's narrative continues by likening the caregiver's energy to a phone battery—underscoring the need for regular recharging to maintain optimal functioning. The speaker touches on a poignant truth; self-care isn't an indulgence but a necessary aspect of maintaining both physical and mental well-being. Furthermore, it posits self-care as an essential component of a caregiver's responsibilities, challenging the notion that prioritizing oneself is a selfish act.

In discussing the transformative power of incremental steps towards self-care, the episode sheds light on the speaker's personal journey. By integrating simple actions like hydrating more, starting a journal, and slowly building a routine, caregivers are shown a practical roadmap to enhancing their quality of life. Tracking progress is highlighted as a tool for celebrating growth and positivity, reinforcing the idea that every small step is a significant leap towards better health and vitality.

As the episode progresses, listeners are encouraged to identify and implement small self-care actions into their daily routine. It acknowledges the common excuses of tiredness and...

FACT:  You have 168 hours a week.  24 hours a day.  No more.  

• How many hours do you work your 9-5 job or business?
• How many hours do you spend doing work around your home?
• How many hours errands (that grocery shopping, pharmacy hours)
• Now at the time of the podcast - it’s holiday season - so how many hours are you shopping, wrapping, baking, decorating or doing other activities of the season. 
• How many hours do you spend caregiving
• Then your time and hopefully it’s self-care your me time 

Have you said any of these words out loud or to yourself  

• I am so tired? 
• I can barely make it through the day. 
• I would give anything to take a nap. 
• I can’t remember the last time I had a goodnight sleep. 
• Ijust keep drinking caffeine hoping to stay awake. 

Here was a schedule I had back in 2017 

• It’s Monday
• Get up at 5:30 am 
• Household chores (throw in a load of wash, tidy up around the house and water the flowers outside)
• Pack my lunch and work laptop and supplies)
• Journal and 30 minutes of working my business
• Then shower and quick breakfast
• 7:00 - drive my spouse to his day 1 of 3 chemotherapies and doctor appointments
• Lab work, doctor’s appt and then sit by the chemotherapy chair until 3pm
• I work my 9-5 job during that time
• 3pm drive spouse home.  He is not feeling well.  So get him in his lazy boy with crackers, jello and a warm blanket.
• Go to my home office and finish 9-5 job.  
• 5pm:  fold that laundry, make dinner, dishes - spouse isn’t hungry and goes to bed.  
• 7-10 pm:  work on my business
• 10pm check on spouse and get ready for bed
• 11pm spouse is up not feeling well - get him some Tylenol
• Can’t sleep due to worry - get up and down checking on spouse

The next day the same.  

Here’s another day in 2018

• 7am - decided to sleep in later now since I am so tired from last...