Time-out:

Take TIME-OUT for YOURSELF whenever possible.

Be honest:

ADMIT when you are NOT coping and ASK for help before YOU reach ‘boiling’ point.

Stay healthy:

Eat a well balanced diet (the HEALTHIER you are – the BETTER you will cope with the stresses and strains of being a Carer).

Exercise:

Even if you start with a TEN MINUTE walk. Exercise releases endorphins that will help keep you a much happier and healthier Carer.

Isolation:

Don’t allow your Caring role to ISOLATE you – make time for friends and family.

Treats:

Treat yourself (to something affordable) once in a while: it might be simply a new lipstick, a dramatic new hair-do or a meal out with a friend in your favourite restaurant.

Identity:

don’t lose sight of WHO you ARE: being a Carer can CONSUME you – retain your own identity and individuality.

Education:

If you have lost sight of WHO you ARE – retrain or do a therapeutic/vocational course in something that interests you. REKINDLE that SPARKLE!

Overload:

Seek HELP when things become too tough to COPE with: don’t be ASHAMED to ADMIT you’re not COPING - you are HUMAN. At times being a Carer can be too much for one person alone to bear.

Self Confidence and Self Esteem:

Being a Carer can affect your confidence and self-esteem. If Caring is your full-time profession be proud of what you do and when people ask you “what do you do for a living” – say "I’m a No.1 Carer and Proud of it".