As a caregiver, often one can feel isolated and cut off from society. You discover you need time for yourself and a break from caregiving.
So what are some ways to reconnect with society and friends while also helping yourself?
- Go out to lunch or a cup of coffee with a friend—having time with a friend is much needed and is a great break from your duties, as well as catching up with others.
- Have a shopping date with a friend—even window shopping allows time for a break.
- Get a job—I have a friend who cares for her husband. For a break, she works for four hours a day three days a week at a local supermarket. Her daughter sits with her husband so she can help. This lady has expressed what a huge help this is to just get out of the house and away.
- Go to church or a Bible study
caregiver need to care for themselves - Take a class—often libraries, community centers and local colleges/universities offer a wide range of classes that are either free or affordable. These can be anything from a one to two hour class to meeting for six to twelve weeks at a time.
- Volunteer—many places are looking for volunteers that are dependable. Be up front about what time and hours you are able to offer.
- Join a club—find a book club, gardening club or another group with an interest you enjoy. Ask your friends and church members or search on a website such as Meetup.com
- Bonus—Go see a ball game or enjoy a concert.
How do you get out for a short time period?