Care for Yourself

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Six Ways to Care For Yourself: Make Yourself a Priority

Step 5: Make exercise a priority

No one is too busy to exercise-even the president of the United States makes time for working out. If you can't spare an hour to go to the gym or even half an hour for a walk, find ways to get active for 10-15 minutes.

Try this: If you're a full-time caregiver, Deborah Halpern of the National Family Caregivers Association recommends investing in a treadmill, weights, or other equipment. Or work out to a television exercise show. Pencil a favorite into your day planner to make it a priority.

Step 6: Schedule 'me' time

As much as it is practical, put your household on daily and weekly schedules. This will improve efficiencies and allow you to schedule time for self-care like exercise and healthful meal preparation.

Try this: Try this: Plan one weekend a year as a getaway for yourself-a shopping trip, a spiritual retreat, or a weekend conference on a favorite hobby. You can find spiritual retreat centers in your state at findthedivine.com. Your local social services board may be able to recommend respite care for ill or elderly family members. Find more information on the National Family Caregivers Association Web site, nfcacares.org.