Cancer caregivers, don't forget to take care of yourself

By Mayo Clinic News Network

If you're a caregiver for a person who is going through cancer treatment, you're probably giving your all to them as they endure it.

It's so essential for the person living with cancer to take the time to heal their body and recover. However, if you're the caregiver, it’s also important to take care of yourself.

Taking care of yourself includes nurturing both your mind and body. It may include reconnecting with what brings you energy, happiness and joy. The following are a few ideas to help you reconnect and start your self-care plan:

Be grateful and appreciate what you haveTake time every day to smile and laughEnjoy 5-10 minutes to relax, breathe deeply and just be aloneEat well to nourish your bodyRead a good bookEnjoy natureSet priorities and make a planListen to musicInvest time and energy in things you valueLearn about something newTrust yourselfConnect with your spiritual selfAsk for help whenever you need itCommunicate in an open and honest wayGet plenty of sleep

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/expert-blog/cancer-caregiver-take-care-of-yourself/bgp-20146142