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The Benefits of Self Nurturing for the Caregiver (or What IS Self Nurturing and why should I do it?)

Self Nurturing is the term I use to describe loving acts directed toward ourselves.  Incoming Love, and from me?  Now that’s a concept.

Let’s look at what might be preventing your self nurturing.  Sure, you are busy and your primary job as a caregiver has been directed outward, toward the person you care for every day…and that seems  right.  But is it?

• In an article on www.womenshealth.gov entitled; “Can caregiver Stress affect my Health?” I read that many caregivers have serious health issues and that part of the reason is that they are less likely to take good care of themselves.   It goes on to say:

“Also, caregivers report that, compared with the time before they became caregivers, they are less likely to:

• get enough sleep
• cook healthy meals
• get enough physical activity”

Do you know how to care for another and still make yourself a priority?  You can be a better caregiver and you will feel better when you regularly self nurture.  You will be healthier physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.  

Let me ask you a question.  Do you believe you deserve to receive?

Most of us don’t, often the messages we received as children taught us to put ourselves last.  We were often told not to ask for what we felt we really needed. This may have been how your primary caregiver treated him/herself.  You may not know what you would do to self nurture if you thought you had the time or energy.  You might suffer from low self esteem or you may honestly believe that it would take away from your patient if you took care of yourself first.  I wrote a book that shows you that by choosing to self nurture as well as focusing some of your loving outward,  you will learn how to direct the very love you need back to you.

The way it works is this:  First you make a commitment to self nurture for one full month.  Then make a list of the things that you find most nurturing to you.  It would be great if you could think of 20.  Some of the things my list are: taking a bath, with candles!; taking a walk with my dog; getting a manicure; calling a friend.  Try and have your list include things from each of the  mental, emotional, physical and Spiritual areas.  Next you choose someone to be your secret “nurturing target” for the month and write down 20 things you could do for them – while not letting them know you are “purposefully” doing them.  Next, you keep track of 3-5 things you do each day for yourself and for them as well.  It is that simple!  In my book there is room for review and reflection at the end of each day and the end of each month.  If you do this for one month I guarantee you will want to keep going!  I include space for reflection at the end of each quarter as well.  You don’t need the book to become kinder to yourself and to CHOOSE to find time to set aside each day for being more loving to YOU! 

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