Of course I wouldn't be able to help care for my husband's needs if I didn't address mine first, which he helps make possible. This is how I practice self-care:
- I exercise! This is a must for mental sanity, emotional release, and emotional strength. I go to CrossFit about three times a week, walk or run twice a week, and teach a yoga class on Sundays. Since I often go before the family wakes, my husband is on kid duty so I can go. I always come back feeling energised, happy, and more patient.
- As an introvert, I need time to myself every single day. Those early morning workouts usually are enough, but if they're not, my husband understands when I want to read, journal, play music, or go to the grocery store alone.
- I get enough sleep. Since my alarm goes off at 5 a.m., I aim to be in bed with lights out by 9 p.m. the night before. My husband is great about being quiet when he comes to bed, which is usually later then me.
- I connect with friends. Sometimes I just need to vent about life, and I have a few close friends who either have anxiety or who have experience with it so I feel comfortable sharing with them.
- I do something that makes me happy once a day. Stress of life and work can be overwhelming even without a husband who has anxiety. Spending time with my kids, taking the dogs for a walk in the woods, cooking a healthy meal (the kitchen is my happy place!), playing guitar and singing, and working out are all ways to fuel my happiness.