5 Small Acts of Self-Care Every Caregiver Needs

When you’re caring for an aging parent or loved one, it’s easy to forget about yourself. The days fill up quickly with appointments, phone calls, meal prep, and endless responsibilities. But here’s the truth: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

Here are five small, realistic acts of self-care you can weave into your everyday life:

1. Breathe on Purpose

It sounds simple, but when stress piles up, our breath gets shallow. Take two minutes to pause, close your eyes, and inhale deeply through your nose, then exhale slowly. This resets your nervous system and brings a moment of calm.

2. Step Outside for Fresh Air

Even five minutes on a porch, balcony, or by an open window can lift your mood. Let the sunlight touch your face, listen to the birds, and remind yourself that the world is bigger than the stress of the moment.

3. Keep Something Just for You

It might be a journal, a favorite book, or even a coloring page. Having one small thing that belongs only to you can help you hold onto your sense of self amid the demands of caregiving.

4. Ask for Help Without Apology

Caregivers often think they should “handle it all.” But asking a sibling, friend, or neighbor to run an errand or sit with your loved one for an hour isn’t a weakness—it’s wisdom. You don’t have to do this alone.

5. Celebrate the Little Wins

Did you make it through a tough appointment? Manage a day without a major setback? Even if it feels small, celebrate it. Caregiving is hard, and every step forward matters.

A Gentle Reminder

You are worthy of care, too. By giving yourself permission to pause, rest, and restore—even in small ways—you strengthen your ability to keep showing up for the person you love.

Because when the caregiver is cared for, everyone benefits.