5 Selfcare mistakes you’re probably making

If you’re a caregiver like me, I can sometimes be so focused on meeting my loved ones needs that I let my own slip. With mom, I evaluate everything to be sure it’s the healthiest and best choice for her. Yet, when it comes to my own care, I tend to operate more on autopilot without evaluating in light of updated health information.

If I’m totally honest, sometimes I’ve used all my energy on her needs, so I do whatever is quick and easy for myself.

Can you relate? If not, good for you! But, if you’re like most caregivers I know, this is a familiar pattern. Some are better at prioritizing themselves than others, but many of us just don’t have enough hours or energy left in the day.

Let me get right to the 5 Selfcare mistakes you're probably making, so you can get back to your other important stuff.

1. Are you avoiding the sun?

Many of us have bought into the idea that the sun is bad and that if you must be in it, be sure to cover yourself in strong sunscreen so no rays can possibly get through. Our ancestors worked in fields, gardens, tending animals, hauling hay, building shelters, and more. They didn’t have sunscreen.

While it’s true that sunburns are not good for you and have been linked to serious health concerns, no sun is equally damaging.

Sun exposure reduces depression, improves sleep, and increases Vitamin D naturally in the body. Remember vitamin D improves blood and boosts your immune system’s ability to fight colds and viruses. Regular exposure to sunshine is the best way for the body to convert cholesterol to vitamin D.

Slathering on a sunscreen loaded with chemicals that can leach into your bloodstream, is not the best choice. Instead, try limited amounts of time in the sun. Wear a wide-brimmed hat if your face burns easily.

For maximum benefit, take off your shoes and socks and walk in some grass. It will ground your body and lift your mood right away. It’s a great stress reliever!

2. Where and how you exercise.

Your body doesn’t require a one-hour workout every day for you to be healthy. Especially since many of us spend our days doing laundry, vacuuming, providing assistance for our loved ones, cooking, and on and on. All of those things exercise our body.

I was watching a webinar titled “Awakening from Alzheimer's” when some leading Neuroscientists suggested an aerobic exercise for at least 20 minutes per day can reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer's by as much as 50%!  When they quoted that statistic, I immediately went to the treadmill to watch the rest of the webinar while I got in some walking!

Talk about motivation! 20 minutes a day of either walking, riding an exercise bike, dancing, or anything that elevates your heart rate, will drastically cut your odds of developing this horrible disease. That’s a free, proven way to increase your odds of having a brighter future!

You don’t have to do the 20 minutes all at one time either. Trust me, I know somedays 20 minutes sounds like a nice vacation! It can be done in 2–3 minute intervals and you’ll still benefit. Anything is better than nothing. If you only get in 5 minutes, it’s okay. Give yourself a break and try again tomorrow.

Walking outside in the fresh air is much better for your lungs than breathing in stale, recycled air in a gym. The scenery can be mood-enhancing as well.