Often when you are focused on taking care of a loved one
with cancer, you forget about yourself. It's easy to think
of everything your loved one might need or what might make
them feel better. It's just as easy to lose track of
yourself. To maintain your own health, you need to focus on
yourself, even if it is for just 15 minutes a day.
One way to help you focus on yourself is to create a
personal space...just for you. A space that reflects your
own personality, needs, and tastes. It can be a corner of a
room or a separate room, depending on where you live and
what your family's needs are.
Fill your space with anything that gives you joy and
inspiration. It should be appealing to you -- inviting,
quiet, and comfortable. Don't be afraid to be resourceful
and creative....you can always make changes!
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Music: Listen to your mood and play something to honor
where you are. Don't always fall into the same habits of
playing the same type of music. Music has a profound impact
on our moods and outlooks....use it to enhance yours.
Make it comfortable: Your personal space offers you a place
to read, listen to music, do some stretching or meditation,
or just sit quietly and relax. Consider a fouton, day bed,
or reclining chair so you have the option of how you use a
space. Make it really comfortable with lots of pillows and
blankets.
Keep it natural: If you can, choose a space that has
natural lighting. Being in touch with the world outside, on
whatever level, always helps. Bring outdoor life into your
space. Plants and flowers are both uplifting and add color.
Scrapbooking: Take some time to dig all those photos out of
the drawers and make them into an album. It sounds like a
chore, but re-visiting friends, family, and travel is
always fun. There are now electronic photo frames that
rotate photos in them as well.
Scents: Scented candles, incense, essential oils, and
atomizers can play a vital role in enhancing your mood, and
even transporting you to a favorite place or cherished
memory. Scents are often recommended to enhance a
meditation experience as they have calming and soothing
properties.
Bulletin Board: You can post anything that makes you feel
good.... Photos, cards, keepsakes....anything that makes
you think of happy times and sharing them with the special
people in your life.
Your personal space is a reflection of your needs during
this time. It can, and will change....and that's part of
the fun. Just focus on what motivates you, inspires you,
and makes you feel good in that space right now.
----------------------------------------------------
Jayne Hutchinson was immersed into a new world after her
husband was diagnosed with cancer. She found there was
little information and support available for spouses and
partners. She created the My Loved One Has Cancer web site
to fill that gap.This web site features comprehensive
resources and tools to make the cancer journey easier for
the spouse or partner of a loved one with cancer.
No comments:
Post a Comment