What Can You Do for You in Five Minutes?

When you have five minutes to yourself, chances are that you try to do something for your elderly family member. But what if you spent that five minutes doing something just for yourself?

Read a Chapter in a Book

You may not get to read as often as you want to, but the chances are really good that even if you're a slow reader you can get a chapter of a book read in five minutes or so. This works well no matter whether you prefer fiction or non-fiction, too. Try keeping a book in your bag so you have one with you or switch to an electronic reader so you always have your choice of reading material.

Meditate 

Meditation can really calm your mind but it doesn't have to take hours to get results. Five minutes of meditating here and there can do a lot to help you keep your mind clear and focused. Start slowly with meditating for one minute at a time and work your way up as you go.

Make a Doctor's Appointment

When is the last time that you went to your own doctor? If you're an average caregiver, you can probably recite your senior's last appointment date and time as well as her next one off the top of your head. Take a few minutes to make your own appointment and then jot it in your calendar so you don't forget.

Journal

Caregiving often involves processing some complicated emotions. This is true no matter how good your relationship is with your aging adult. Many caregivers find that keeping a journal helps them to sort through all of these feelings and get rid of the ones that are getting in the way of being a good caregiver.

Reach out to a Friend

If you've been neglecting your social life, it might be time to reach out to a friend and reconnect. You may not feel as if you have time for a phone call, so try sending a quick text or an email. You need those outside relationships to help keep you grounded.

Plan Your Meals for the Week

Another stumbling block that caregivers often face is that they never feel as if they have time to eat well themselves. Take five minutes and plan out a quick menu for the week that includes healthy foods that will keep you going.

If you're still having trouble figuring out what you can do with short periods of free time, try making a list. You can even break the list down into activities you can do in five minutes, ten minutes, and half an hour or longer. Then you can go back to your list when you need to do something just for you and you're stumped.

If you or an aging loved one are considering caregivers in Palm City, FL, contact the caring staff at BrightStar Care of Jupiter. Call today (561) 741-1200.