8 Tips for Caregivers on Valentine’s Day

While we traditionally think of Valentine’s Day as a time for expressions of romantic love, it can also be a great time to show yourself some love and share some special moments with your care recipient.

1. Stretch– take a few moments to do some simple stretches and notice tense muscles soften.
2. Breathe– along with those stretches, take some long slow breaths to give yourself a little more relaxation.
3. Treat yourself to a hot beverage and perhaps a special snack. Savor the aroma of your tea, coffee, or hot cocoa. Feel the warmth of the mug in your hands. Enjoy a few minutes to yourself or include your loved one in this “tea party” as a small Valentine’s Day celebration.
4. Take a break from electronics– Our screen time adds up quickly each day and can create a fatigue that we often don’t even realize. Try spending some time away from your smart phone. Work on a jigsaw puzzle, read a print book, sketch or doodle with paper and pencil.
5. Appreciate you and all you do– Don’t think about your never ending “To do” list. Think about two or three things that you have accomplished today and give yourself a pat on the back.
6. Listen to music- Listening to something upbeat may boost your spirits on a wintery day or listening to something soft may soothe and relax you.
7. Laugh- A good laugh can warm the hearts of everyone. Share a joke, listen to a recording by a favorite comedian or bring to mind a fun memory that ignites your laughter.
8. Share something special with your loved one- reminisce by looking through a photo album together or ask your loved one to share a special Valentine’s memory or tradition that was important to them in previous years.