WHAT IS "LOVE LANGUAGE"?
“Learning your love language is like finding the key to your emotional well-being. When you honor your own needs, you set the foundation for deeper, more fulfilling connections—with yourself and others." — Unknown
1. Words of Affirmation
Example: saying “I love you” or leaving a thoughtful note of encouragement
2. Acts of Service
Example: Cooking a meal for a love one or helping with chores without being asked
3. Receiving Gifts
Example: giving small meaningful gift like favorite followers or candy
4. Quality Time
Example: Having a deep conversation over coffee or going on a walk without distractions
5. Physical Touch
Example: Giving a warm hug or a reassuring pat on the back
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WHY IT'S IMPORTANT TO TAKE TIME FOR YOU!
Prolonged stress can cause serious health issues!
So it is important to make time for SELF-CARE on a regular basis!
1. Let family lend a hand
A family meeting can help sort out everyone’s schedules so you get regular breaks.
2. Involve friends.
You know all those people who keep saying, “Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help”? Well, let them know and accept their offers of help. Create a list of things that need to be done—grocery shopping, laundry, lawn care, housecleaning or spending time with your loved one—and post it on the refrigerator. When they ask what they can do, point to the list.
3. Take regular breaks
Even if only 15 or 20 minutes a day, make sure you do something for you.
4. Exercise.
Whether it is a 20-minute walk outside or a yoga class, exercise is a great way to decrease stress and increase energy.
5. Eat healthy.
Your health and nutrition are just as important as your loved one’s, so take the time to eat well.
6. Attend a support group for caregivers.
CLICK HERE to check when our next monthly support group will be held.
7. Seek professional help.
Many caregivers feel lonely, anxious, guilty, angry, scared, confused or tired. If these feelings are overwhelming, call your doctor, or another community resource for help.
Our Case Manager would love to be able to assist. Why not give her a call at (510) 333-0024
Caregiver to Caregiver: Mental Health Tips
CLICK HERE to view video online
This was shown at our Support Group Meeting held November 2024
Ten caregivers from the NAMI community speak out about taking care of their own mental health. As a caregiver, it is easy to overlook your own mental health. In line with NAMI’s core value of peers helping peers, these caregivers are on a mission to share their tips and perspectives on self-care to make sure that caregivers prioritize their own mental health. They all believe that a caregiver needs to take care of their own mental health needs to be able to provide the best possible care to their loved ones.