The Importance of "me" time

Family caregivers burn out, there are no two ways about it - we burn out. While this may not be a preventable thing, it can at least be made a little less crushing by making sure that we make some time for ourselves. Don't feel bad about leaving your loved one in someone's care while you just lounge in the bath or go out to work in the garden. Just as important as getting out of the house and away from responsibility can be staying home and not being "on-call". If you can get a friend or family member to take care of things for a few hours, then do so and go out to work in your garden or relax with a magazine and enjoy not having to keep one ear out for someone to need your assistance. It can recharge you as well or better than going somewhere away from home.