You might have heard advice before that tells you that as a caregiver, you need to have your own nighttime routine. Once you start trying to implement that advice, though, you can start to realize that it feels like a lot of work. That doesn’t have to be the case.
You Can Start to Unwind
Starting and sticking with a routine before bed gives your body and your brain some very specific cues. That routine triggers a “going to sleep” series of reactions and that can be invaluable when you’re feeling stressed, tired, and overwrought as a caregiver. When you’re putting your routine together, keep in mind that you want to include activities that help you to feel prepared and relaxed.
It Gives You Time for Yourself
A common issue for family caregivers tends to be that it’s difficult to find time just for themselves. With a solid bedtime routine, you can carve out a bit of time that is just for you. It’s time for you to be gentle with yourself, to meditate, or to read. All while you prepare yourself to face the challenges that the next day will bring.
You Feel More Prepared for the Next Day
Your bedtime routine is going to give you a chance at preparing for tomorrow before you’re in a rush. Look at what appointments and other obligations you have to face tomorrow. If there’s anything that you need to take anything with you, make sure you lay that out. Choose what you want to wear tomorrow and lay that out as well. If there is anything at all that you can do the night before to make life easier for yourself tomorrow, do it now.
Figure out When Your Routine Needs to Start
What you don’t want to start doing is waiting until right before you want to go to sleep to start running around doing all sorts of things. Figure out when you need to be getting into bed and start working your way backward from that time. Give yourself at least an hour to leisurely wind down from the day and prepare for tomorrow. If you need more time, though, take it.
If you’re having a hard time setting up a full routine for yourself, pick one or two small aspects and focus on those. You can always modify and add to your bedtime routine later. This is especially helpful when you’ve never really had a routine before.
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Caregivers in Largo, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.
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Becky Moultrie is Owner and Administrator of Assisting Hands Home Care Serving Pinellas. Guided by a motto to Do Good with Love, she’s well positioned to do just that at Assisting Hands. She has a passion for helping families keep seniors and those who are diabled happy and healthy at home. She serves on a number of boards in Pinellas County including the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber and Better Living Seniors (BLS), leading the Membership Committee. Annually, she hosts a Silver Santa Party, collecting donations for nearly 100 low income seniors in the county. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole where she is an Ascribed Member of the Rosminian Order. When not busy Doing Good in the community, Becky is at home with her husband David & their 4 children, tending to their beehives and digging in the garden.
