November is National Caregivers Month. I asked readers to
share their favorite way they have to care for themselves. Readers who left a comment
were entered into a Rafflecopter Giveaway for one copy of UNCOMMON beauty –
Crisis Parenting From Day One.
Thanks to everyone who entered - the drawing winner was
Julia Potter!
The comments that were left all had to do with exercise. One
reader said that joining the local YWCA has been a fun way to get out of the
house and the cost of the membership fee provided motivation. Another reader
said that taking Zumba classes with a friend was a great pick-me-up. As for
myself, I continue to love walking outside. I have an extra incentive to get
out for my daily walk now that we have a puppy who comes along.
Over this Thanksgiving Holiday I am going to see how many
ways my family can infuse exercise into how we spend our time: fall hikes, a
game of Frisbee or soccer, some raking of leaves, swimming, basketball, even
some Wii sports. I would love to hear how readers infuse exercise in your
holiday.
Finding ways to reduce stress is an essential component in
how caregivers care for themselves. As a caregiver, I am learning to recognize
that much of my stress is self- imposed. I would like a house that is tidy and
welcoming, paperwork neat and organized, meals planned and cooked, laundry
clean and put away, homework embraced, interests outside of parenting. All of
these goals are good, but there is only so much one person can do.
In our household there is always more to do than I can
finish. This fact creates a lot of stress in my life. I feel frustrated leaving
things undone. But wait – what if I look at all that I have done.
I think if we added up all that we do in a day we would be
amazed.
How about making an “It’s Done!” list instead of a "To Do" list?
Just start somewhere: a pesky pile of paperwork, a load of laundry, dishes. Finish one thing. Then go to a beautiful piece of paper that says “It’s Done!” and write it down. Making the list something you enjoy looking at is an extra bonus – it amplifies all the positive energy you are creating.
Just start somewhere: a pesky pile of paperwork, a load of laundry, dishes. Finish one thing. Then go to a beautiful piece of paper that says “It’s Done!” and write it down. Making the list something you enjoy looking at is an extra bonus – it amplifies all the positive energy you are creating.
Try printing off some free artistically decorated paper from the internet.
The "It's Done" game is my visual reminder
that I am making progress,
accomplishing good things, and getting stuff done.
No matter how much work is
pressing down on me,
it feels great to see how much I’ve done.
The momentum has been created,
I am
inspired, and I feel productive.
“It’s Done!”: Fed kids breakfast and gave medicine, emptied
dishwasher, walked dog, washed dog, answered e-mail, cleared away one pile of
paperwork, cleaned off dining table, helped Evan finish project, went up to
school to drop off & pick up homework while Evan is at home sick (all by
10:00 a.m. – still a lot of the day to go!)
Hey – let’s get the kids involved. Jonathan is on vacation
today and longing to earn a new toy. He is all for making an “I Did It” list
recording all the ways he is responsible: practicing cello, doing homework,
washing windows, sweeping floors, cleaning room, walking dog. Of course Evan
can’t be left out: finishing school work, organizing books, helping mom clean
tables.
I am thankful for all the accomplishments we make together. Let’s
celebrate what we have done and for the next few days put away the “need to do”
lists and enjoy the holiday. Let’s get some exercise and be thankful for time. Let’s
allow ourselves the luxury of putting away self-imposed stress and enjoy where
we are right now.
