Summer Self-care for Caregivers & Families
By LauraBeth DeHority, PsyD LMFT
Summertime is the best chance to try out a few things to take care of ourselves. As we do that, we can build better relationships and connections with our kids to strengthen our families. Prioritizing self-care as caregivers is a model to our children of the oxygen mask analogy. Putting on your oxygen mask first will empower you to do the same for your children. Not only will your self-care shift change your own dynamic, but also it will have a ripple effect for your entire home.
Choose one tip or a few from the list, or come up with your own list as a family. A new idea can spark a healthy and fun tradition to strengthen your family!
Self Care Tips:
- As you are making new memories, take lots of pictures. These captured memories can bring a smile when you are in challenging situations and seasons.
- Since you need to eat anyway, why not take it outdoors? Eat your lunch outside; choose sun or shade.
- It’s a great time for a cookout and s’mores on the grill or fire pit. If marshmallows aren’t your family favorite, enjoy a fruit salad or watermelon! Corn on the grill can be fun, and a corn eating contest is equal parts funny and delicious.
- Farmers markets are in abundance this time of year! Even the grocery store has a much wider fresh selection, so challenge yourself to shop fresh and buy less processed food this season.
- Beat the heat with cold treats! Have some family fun making popsicles or other frozen treats. Take a trip to the ice cream, boba or froyo shop!
- Plan some outdoor activities! Venture out to the sidewalk with some sidewalk chalk. Take a hike. Visit a water park, the beach or reservoirs. Watch the sun rise. Enjoy a sunset and gaze at the stars or the moon. Get away from town and listen carefully; there are lots of sounds to be heard in nature. Yoga outside is remarkably centering. Remember your hat, sunscreen, and hydration with water and electrolytes!
- Make a playlist of your favorite songs. Taking time away from screens to listen to music can really enhance relaxation.
- Yoga, dance or movement are great ways to bring down anxiety and only require a few minutes.
- Create a sacred space in your home or car. No better time than the present to either create that space or give the current area an update and refresh.
- Choose indoor activities that inspire creativity and reduce distress. Try reading a book, playing a game, doing a puzzle, quilting, painting, drawing or writing.
If it seems like a big effort to do any of this, just start by trying one new self-care practice.
Self-care matters:
Self-care helps build better relationships and reduce conflict. While it takes time, self-care ultimately makes us more productive and improves our focus. It reduces our stress, leading to improved physical and mental health. Self-care works to decrease burnout and overwhelm. Self-care as a small, consistent and ongoing part of our routine doesn’t solve our big problems, but definitely puts gas in our tanks to fuel the energy needed to address those. Give it a try!
LauraBeth DeHority, PsyD LMFT is a therapist who specializes in working with caregivers and families. She works with individuals, couples, siblings, groups, adoptive, blended and multigenerational families to provide support in areas of family roles and communication, stress reduction, anxiety, depression, grief and addiction.
