While I’ve been a caregiver on multiple occasions, each situation takes on new challenges of its own. I’m always struggling to take care of my own needs in the moment. As we each enter quarantine, lockdowns, and social distancing in order to protect ourselves and our loved ones it is important to remember that to love them fully we must also take care of ourselves.
How an ICU nurse reminded me to rest
On Valentine’s Day, my mother had an aneurysm. The next few weeks were scary and emotionally draining despite the fact that she beat the odds and is a miracle.
My dad tells the story better than anyone. For details of what happened and the recovery visit -> I Almost Lost Her.
24 hours in my sister and I were standing by her bed in the ICU. Visiting hours were ending and I was mentally preparing to sleep out the night in the waiting room when the nurse looked at me and told me it was time to go.
I’ve been a caregiver for a while now, but each time it feels new. My daughter is a cancer survivor and my husband was medically retired from the Army for injuries sustained in combat. Let’s just say I know how to stand watch in a waiting room.
On February 14, 2020, standing in the ICU room at 7 p.m. after one of the scariest days of my life I could feel the energy-draining and the tears threatening.
“I am going to sleep in the waiting room,” I said to the nurse. “Unless you tell me to go home.”
I needed the adult in the room to tell me how to behave and what to do. I knew the best course of action was not to pull an all-nighter but I couldn’t bring myself to leave without permission.
I LOVE NURSES.
That ICU nurse knew exactly what I needed. She looked me in the eyes and said, “I want you to remember this is not a sprint it is a marathon. Go home and sleep.”
This is not a sprint, it is a marathon
As we all enter this season of COVID-19 I want you to hear those same words. This is not a sprint, it is a marathon.
The best way to take care of your family and your loved ones is to take care of your emotional and physical health as well.
Dear caregiver, here is where you can start:
- Get plenty of rest
- Social distancing and self-quarantine protects EVERYONE you love
- Eat nutritious food
- Exercise*
- Drink lots of water
- Stick to a routine
- Get dressed every day
- Step outside and breathe in mother nature (even if it’s no farther than your front porch)
- Look for the good and #findjoyeveryday
- You don’t have to do it all
*Exercise while confined has its challenges. Here are just a few of the ways you can stay active while stuck indoors and away from the gym.
- YMCA free classes online at ymca360.org
- Peloton offers great yoga instructions, meditations and more. Free for 90 days.
- Beach Body has a 14 day free trial of on-demand classes
What are you doing to make sure you stay healthy emotionally and physically in order to better care for your family members and/or roommates?
Photos by Stephanie Greene and Natalia Figueredo on Unsplash
