Too Tight a Schedule

"I'm only lost if I'm going someplace in particular." Megan Schribner

One of the results of caregiving can be a schedule that is too tight.  Have you ever thought why vacations can be so restoring?  Sure there is a change of scenery, the discovery of the new, time for fun; but perhaps the greatest gift of a vacation is an unencumbered schedule.  As caregivers much is asked of us.  We are scheduling things for the care receiver's life, while trying to manage the business of our own -- oftentimes while trying to juggle earning a living among the many, many responsibilities.  That overly-scheduled calendar aspect of caregiving is one of the most depleting:  too many obligations, and not enough time that is unencumbered or unscheduled.  It is imperative to create some time for ourselves -- we can call it recreation, meditation, exercise; whatever we call it, we need to have time each day that is not committed -- that is ours to relax within.  Vacations come rarely for caregivers, but we can give ourselves 20-30 minutes a day, or ideally more,  that is meant just to replenish ourselves.  Yesterday a reader suggested I get a massage.  Even though she lives at a distance, she was even able to specifically recommend someone, and I could get in that afternoon.  It was just what I needed in an overly-busy week.   I was able to relax and just 'be' while someone provided loving service for me.  We do so much for others; it is a special treat to receive loving attention from another.  I recommend it.  Can you get a massage this week?