TIP of the WEEK: Caring for Yourself

As parents  you spend so much time caring for your loved ones, worrying about their well being, their health and happiness that you often forget about your own. Your child comes first, his or her health needs, behavioral management and endless hours of advocacy come before your own basic needs. You know every hair on your child’s head, every bug bite ( and lose one hour of sleep for every bite as you worry how badly that pick site will become).  I’m willing to bet that you haven’t gone to get your hair done or had a cup of coffee that wasn’t gulped down in a travel mug on your way to something having to do with your child in a very long time.

You are the parent of a child with PWS. A role that you didn’t ask for but one that you embrace with all of your heart. You deserve the world for all of the trials and heartache, the pure joy, pride and worry beyond what most of us could imagine. And all of this work and worry can lead to stress and stress can lead to illness in the worst case and in the best case can cause a less effective you. Take time, even if it is 15 minutes a day for you, just you. Prioritize this time, you are worth it and you will be better for it. Here are some ideas that will lower your stress level, give you more energy and improve your overall well being:

• Breathe. Take a few minutes a day to take several deep breaths, eyes closed and think of something beautiful. Sounds simple? It is and it works.

• Taking a bath has wonderful relaxation results but few have time for that. Instead take a spray bottle of water with a few drops of essential oil and spray it on your skin after a shower. Use lavender for lasting calming effects.

• Go green. Green is the most calming of all of the colors. Use in every chance you can. Whether it be clothing, wall color, drinking glasses- the more the better.

• Take a walk. Get your MP3 player and put your favorite songs from high school on there. I guarantee smiles, great memories and a few minutes of zero stress.

Anything that you can do for just a few minutes a day that’s just for you, no one else, will ultimately make you better for everyone else. You deserve it.

Submitted by:
Patrice Caroll
Manager of PWS Services