Why Self-Care Matters

From June 24 to July 24, we observe Self-Care Month, culminating in International Self-Care Day on July 24. This special day was first established in 2011 by the International Self-Care Foundation to highlight the importance of taking care of our own mental, physical and emotional health. The date — 7/24 — reminds us that self-care is needed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you’re a family caregiver, you probably spend most of your time meeting other people’s needs. Selfless love is a wonderful thing, but it can also lead to stress, fatigue and burnout. That’s why Self-Care Month is the perfect time to slow down and care for yourself.

These seven simple self-care ideas are designed for busy caregivers. You don’t need to take a full day off or splurge on a fancy spa. You just need a few moments and the willingness to follow through with your self-care plan.

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1. Start with a five-minute quiet time.

Even a few minutes of stillness can bring calm to a noisy day. Begin by sitting in a quiet spot. Maybe with your morning coffee or after your loved one is asleep. Breathe deeply. Make room for peace in the moment.

You can pray, reflect on a verse or simply focus your breathing. This quiet pause can lower stress and ground you.

Pro Tip: Set a timer for five minutes and treat the time as non-negotiable.

2. Make drinking water a habit.

Staying hydrated might seem simple, but it’s often overlooked. Dehydration can make you feel tired, irritable and foggy. Drinking enough water helps your body and mind work better.

Start your day with a glass of water. Keep a bottle nearby as a reminder to sip throughout the day.

Pro Tip: Link water to your caregiving tasks. Drink up every time you give your loved one fluids or take your own medications.

3. Make a “Caregiving Joy List.”

When you’re in survival mode, you might forget what brings you joy. Use this month to rediscover it. Try making a list of five small things that make you feel happy or bring you peace of mind.

Maybe it’s sitting in the sun, listening to music, watching a favorite show or texting a friend who makes you laugh.

Pro Tip: Hang your joy list on the fridge or bathroom mirror. Try to choose one thing from it every day.

4. Use technology to lighten the load.

Apps like Medisafe can remind you about medications. You can track medical appointments with Google Calendar. Sharing health updates with friends and family using a group chat tool like WhatsApp can save you from repeating the same story multiple times.

These tools can bring more order to your caregiving routines and reduce the mental clutter you carry.

Pro Tip: Don’t hesitate to ask someone younger to help you set up your apps. Reaching out this way can help create a connection point across generations.

5. Stretch your body for a few minutes each day.

Stress lives in the body. Your shoulders, back and neck often hold the weight of your caregiving tasks. Gentle stretching helps release this tension and improves your energy levels.

You don’t need a yoga class or workout gear. Just reach overhead, roll your shoulders or touch your toes to bring some relief.

Pro Tip: Try pairing your stretch with a daily routine, like waiting for water to boil or watching the morning news.

6. Learn to say “No” without the guilt.

Many caregivers have a hard time setting boundaries. But saying no doesn’t make you a bad person. Every time you say “yes” to something that drains you, you say “no” to something that could restore you.

Practice gentle ways to say no, like: “I’m not able to do that right now.” Or, “Thank you for asking, but I need to rest.”

Pro Tip: Value your privacy. Remember, even Jesus took time away from crowds to rest and recharge. It’s okay if you need to do that too.

7. Ask for help, then make sure you accept It.

This is one of the hardest steps for caregivers. But receiving help is a gift. When someone offers to help you — whether it’s providing a meal or sitting with your loved one — do yourself a favor and just say yes.

Sometimes people want to help but don’t know how. Keep a short list of tasks you think you’ll need on hand, so when someone asks, “What can I do?” you’re ready.

Pro Tip: Practice receiving help. It’s an act of humility.

Give yourself a break.

Self-care isn’t perfect. It means supporting yourself physically, emotionally and mentally during your caregiving responsibilities. You deserve rest, peace and joy too.

This Self-Care Month, let each small step be an act of love toward yourself. Because taking care of you helps you care for others with strength and compassion.

Tell us in the comments how you’re practicing self-care this month.

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Self-Care Month Ideas FAQ

Why is self-care important for caregivers?

Caregivers often deal with stress, fatigue and burnout. Self-care helps you stay emotionally balanced and physically healthy so you can care for others more effectively.

What are some simple self-care practices I can try at home?

Deep breathing, stretching, drinking more water or writing down what brings you joy can all be helpful. Even five minutes of quiet time matters.

How do I stop feeling guilty about taking time for myself?

Remind yourself that self-care is important. Rest helps you continue to provide care for those you love.

What if I don’t have time for self-care?

Start small. Tie self-care to something you already do, like praying while washing dishes or stretching while watching TV.

How do I ask for help without feeling like a burden?

Be specific. People often want to help, but they don’t always know how. Keeping a short list of tasks you may need makes it easier for others to step in for you when needed.