Making Time for Self-Care is Important for Your Mental and Physical Health

Hello, friends!

I promise to keep this post short, sweet, and simple. I hope that you will enjoy it and #share it with someone that you know on social media in support of #AutismAwarenessMonth. Thank you!

Lorrie

Take Care of Yourself

Make time for yourself. Self-care is an important part of happiness and health, and a happy, healthy parent can care for a child much better than a stressed-out, overtaxed parent. You will need a family member, close friend, or available respite care provider that you can depend on to take care of your child so that you can have some time by yourself. 

Being a parent of a child with autism spectrum disorders, or any other special needs, is extremely difficult work, very stressful, physically taxing, and emotionally draining. Do not be afraid or hesitate when asking for help! Everyone needs to be able to take a break and enjoy some "me time" to ensure their mental health needs are being met.

As you learn what routine works for your child, you, and the rest of your family, things will eventually become easier for everyone. A few hours or an afternoon once a week will give you the opportunity to focus on your needs and the ability to stay in contact with the world outside the new one that your child lives in. You will learn to appreciate being able to do simple things such as drinking a good cup of coffee or tea on the patio, catching up on your favorite television series or drama, working a puzzle or a crossword challenge, or enjoying a much needed afternoon nap.

You might also want to consider joining a local autism support group or an online community that offers parent advice, support, and friendship. Please let me know if you need assistance locating one in your area. 

Take care of your self so that you can continue taking care of your family! I am going to enjoy my favorite cup of orange-flavored tea, before telling each son and my husband that I love them, and get a good night's sleep. There will be no alarms set in my household to wake us up in the morning because our teenage sons do not have distance learning on Fridays! #CelebratingTheSmallThingsInLife :)