Self-care is important for all parents, but when you’re raising a child with special needs, it becomes absolutely critical.
Caring for a child with special needs tends to require all of your energy. It’s emotionally draining and physically exhausting – and it never stops.
Because it’s such a demanding job, it’s challenging for parents of special needs children to find time for self-care. They end up putting themselves last on the to-do list, and their mental, emotional, and physical health suffers.
To avoid this, here are some simple ways to incorporate self-care into your daily routine:
- Schedule 15 minutes a day. It’s a common misconception that self-care requires a ton of time. In reality, 15 minutes is all you need! Use that time to read a book, take a walk, soak in the bath, talk to a friend, or write in your journal.
- Simplify. Pay attention to how you spend each day, and look for ways to simplify, eliminate, and delegate. For example, do you really need to volunteer for the PTA bake sale this weekend, or would you rather spend the weekend playing with your kids and taking care of yourself? There’s nothing wrong with saying no every once in a while.
- Ask for help. Have you ever noticed that we’re quick to offer help, but reluctant to ask for it? Break the cycle, and understand that there is no shame in asking for help! Trust me – most people love to lend a hand.
- Take care of your body. Eat well, exercise, and prioritize sleep – even if it means taking a short nap during the day. Refuse to eat processed foods that don’t nurture your mind and body. And remember, you can overcome almost anything – as long as you take care of yourself first and foremost.
