It’s common for carers to work long hours and to over-work themselves. You may find yourself offering more time to the person you are caring for than to yourself. It’s essential that you take time for yourself.

Often times we find ourselves spending our days working until the day is over. We take “me time” during the night, which eats into the time we should be using to rest. This leads to us feeling tired. And so we end up in a continuous circle.

It’s essential that when you care for others you take time to care for yourself too. Caring, while being a very rewarding job, does consume your resources. Take some time every day to do something you enjoy. Whether that is watching your favourite show or reading a book, you do you!

You may be living a very busy life as a carer, but aim to have the weekend off if possible. If not, take any other two days each week. Spend your free time doing anything you like. Go see a movie, a play, go to the museum or grab a coffee with a friend! Or do absolutely nothing at all! Rest and relaxation is essential in living a healthy and balanced life and contributes to having a healthy life.

Here are some ideas of what you can do for yourself:

• Read a good book
• Watch a TV series you like
• Meditate
• Stretch
• Do a sport you like
• Meet your friends
• Go on a walk in the park
• Go to the cinema
• Travel outside the city