If you find yourself in the role of a caretaker, whether you’re a parent, nursing a sick loved one, or aiding an elder family member, you know how challenging it can be to take care of yourself.
Morning is a precious time, and can sometimes be your only window to get in some rituals to nourish and restore yourself before you take on the role of service.
When you’re a caregiver with only a small sliver of time, here are some ways to maximize your morning:
Sleep in when you’re able to
Sometimes caregiving cuts into our ability to sleep long enough hours to properly restore. Sleep can get disturbed when you’re overnighting at the hospital, have to feed a baby multiple times a night, or need to get work done at odd hours because so much of the day was spent caring for your loved one. When you have the opportunity, let yourself sleep in when possible and do so without any guilt. You’ll be amazed at how a little revival fills you with the energy and resolve you need to be a pillar for your loved one.
Pick one or two morning rituals that will most positively impact you
When we think of the ideal morning routine, a long list of different rituals comes to mind. As a caregiver you may only have 15-20 minutes to yourself in the morning – maybe more, maybe less. Rather than limiting yourself to only one or two rituals you can fit in, try rotating rituals throughout the week so you get a little bit of all the things. For example, say your desired rituals are:
- Oil pull
- Make and drink a matcha latte
- Meditation
- Pranayama
- Asana
- Walk outside
but you only have time for two or three from that list on any given morning.
Have the matcha latte every other day and instead sit for meditation on the days you don’t make the latte.
Or, alternate the days you get the walk outside with the pranayama and asana practice.
Ask for help
If you haven’t filled up your cup, you won’t be able to be there for your loved one, and you will burn out. Consider who might be able to step in and help care for your loved one to give you the time you need in the morning (or otherwise) to sleep, rest, take care of your health, and have some solo time. You will be amazed at how much more stamina, energy, and strength you will have when you’re back in the caregiving role. See if you can arrange to get help on a consistent basis so you can rely on that time to yourself.
Photo by Jimmy Dean on Unsplash