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Natural Awakenings Tucson

Self-Care for Caretakers

Most of us do not take very good care of ourselves even when there is not a crisis. Author and researcher Brené Brown says, “It takes courage to say yes to rest and play in a culture where exhaustion is seen as a status symbol.”

Most people in our culture are exhausted and push through the fatigue or pain. They may be on several medications with the belief that whatever symptoms they are masking, the problem is under control. Then one more big thing is added to a person’s plate, as in the face of an illness, death or job loss, and the person is beyond overwhelmed and scared.
   
The caretaker allows no time for the gym, yoga, meditation or chiropractic. We have to “be there” for them, but can we really be helpful if we are not there for ourselves and locked in fight or flight mode? The caretaker hyper-focuses on the other person’s needs and often makes poor decisions because of poor self-care.
   
Crisis is inevitable for all of us. In the Chinese language, it is described by two characters. One that represents danger and the other is opportunity. So all problems, if handled well, teach us things and have gifts within them. To find the gift, the caregiver must take care everyday so they are ready when the inevitable bigger problem arrives. Regular chiropractic care keeps our nervous system at ease, helping us to sleep better and make better choices.

Joanne Haupert, DC practices chiropractic at Inspired Healing, located at 4858 E. Broadway, in Tucson. Connect at 520-584-0343 or InspiredHealing.org.