Five Types of Self-Care for Parents of Special Needs Children

Five Types of Self-Care for Parents of Special Needs Children

Five Types of Self-Care for Parents of Special Needs Children

The idea of selflessness is often viewed as a virtue, yet, if we fail to satisfy our own needs and care for ourselves, we are less capable of helping and serving others. As a parent of a youngster with special needs, you likely spend most of your days so engaged with the demanding needs of your household that you fail to take care of yourself. Our experts on family and couple's counseling in Orlando remind you that a bit of selfishness is a definite must for parents of special needs kids. In order to provide the best of yourself, you must be your very best self. A committed self-care regimen is an absolute must to stay at your best.

Sleep

Among the most elemental of requirements is rest. Sufficient sleep is a critical part of a healthy lifestyle. A whole night's sleep will intensify your energy, disposition, memory, and imagination while lowering stress levels. As a caretaker of a special needs child, you might worry about your child's future, prepare everything you have to fit in the future, or even mourn the freedom of your existence before kids. All of this is expected but can make getting the rest you need more difficult, so speak to your therapist or physician if you find you are not getting enough sleep to sustain your way of life.

Healthy Diet

Adequate nutrition is not simply a benefit to you as a parent but also has a long-term influence on your kids. You'll teach them beneficial eating habits that will carry on into maturity as you enhance your own health and longevity. In addition, keeping your meals and snacks bright with fruits and vegetables will furnish energy and help you stave off inactivity as you increase your mental clarity.

Sunshine & Fresh Air

Taking your youngster on a short stroll to a local park or playground will help both of you as you get in some much-needed sunshine and a bit of exercise. According to the World Health Organization, five to fifteen minutes of daily sun exposure will supply you with the vitamin D benefits of the sun; this includes an overall feeling of well-being and numerous health advantages.

Social Support

Play dates are a fantastic way to incorporate your special needs child socially, but they also help you with much-needed rest. Make a list of companions and loved ones you can phone or video chat with when you need to chat. Look for neighborhood support groups to locate other parents in your vicinity you can look to for guidance and wisdom. You can also pursue the professional advice of a mental health professional for additional help.

Meditate

Meditation may seem like an excessive indulgence or a waste of time to an active parent, but countless scientific studies have demonstrated the many health advantages of meditation. Putting aside just five to ten minutes daily for quiet contemplation can help strengthen your immune system, handle stress, help you concentrate, and elevate your mood, to name just a few health benefits. In addition, meditation is something people can learn. One way to quickly locate a mindfulness meditation is to type "how to meditate" into your search engine or YouTube. You'll encounter several guides on how to initiate this straightforward practice.

These are some types of self-care every special needs parent should practice. Contact us today to set up family or couple's counseling in Orlando. We are here for you!

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Heather Oller

Heather Oller is the owner and founder of Orlando Thrive Therapy, Coaching, and Counseling. She is a licensed counselor and a family mediator who has over 23 years of dedicated work as a professional in the mental health field. Through her company's mission, she continues to pave the way for future therapists, and their clients, who want a higher quality of life....and who want to thrive, rather than just survive. You can contact Orlando Thrive Therapy at (407) 592-8997 for more information.