No, you can’t always get what you want
But if you try sometimes you just might get what you need
—The Rolling Stones

Whether you are a caregiver for someone with PD, or caring for a parent, child or a grandchild who needs assistance, watch out for burnout. Some of us are caregiving in multiple ways. If you’re dealing with Young Onset PD you are likely a caregiver to others as well—young children or your own parents as they age. And here’s what everybody says: “You need to take care of yourself too.” I can’t count how many people have said that to me. The problem is that usually by the time they give you that advice, you’re already in crisis mode and it’s just not happening.

However, I have learned ways to incorporate time for myself in my normal schedule. I know if I don’t, I won’t be ready to handle the hard times (hard times are generally unpredictable, especially with Parkinson’s). So I schedule exercise time for myself weekly and try not to be too busy so that I can have time to relax, meditate and nap on occasion.

Today I woke up with a sinus headache, sore back and tired from a busy weekend. I know that today my husband will be busy with exercise and that I have a housekeeper/helper coming in the afternoon. So I took the day off and gave myself a one day retreat at home. I napped, meditated, watched TED talks, used essential oils, had quiet time and kept my door closed. What a nice break! It was less than 24 hours and tomorrow I will wake up feeling refreshed.

What have you done for your self lately?