Self-care is crucial for caregivers, both for their health and the well-being of the person they care for. You can’t give attention and compassion to someone else if you don’t give it to yourself, and as a caregiver, most of your job involves being in the service of another person.
“Caregivers can lose the ability to care for their own needs,” said Tonya Davis, PhD, LCPC, with Northwestern University. “Maybe they have to quit a job. There’s possibly a lack of self-care. The worst that can happen is you get taken down by it all and you lose yourself, not just emotionally but, potentially, physically.”
So, if you’re getting a tax refund for 2021 and plan to use it to pay off bills or invest in savings, make sure you still put aside a little to indulge yourself in a splurge (or two!) that can make you feel pampered, spoiled, relaxed or happy. But, of course, taking care of yourself shouldn’t be considered indulgent—it’s an essential part of your mental and physical health to focus on yourself when you have the opportunity.
To avoid Davis’ worst-case scenario, take time to pamper and care for yourself with a few product ideas:
Products to splurge on for self-care and pampering
As a caregiver, you’re on your feet a lot. So, give them some well-deserved pampering with the Foot Spa bath massager. It includes heat therapy, a bubbler and a motorized massager that works on all parts of the feet. When your feet hurt, nothing feels good. This massager will make it all better.
If you’re unsure where to start with self-care and stress-relief exercises, these stress relief cards are a good way to figure it out. Pick one of the 52 cards and follow the anxiety-relieving and mindfulness behavior directions. If one doesn’t work for you, move on to the next. Bonus: You can share these with your older adult to help them de-stress, too.
Yes, you should send yourself flowers. Why not? Flowers are the prettiest splurge, and you deserve them. In fact, if you have room in your budget, the occasional bouquet from a local farmer’s market or even the grocery store can add a touch of color to your home to enjoy.
If you don’t have AirPods, you probably want them—and they’re worth the splurge! If you have an iPhone, you can use your AirPods when you exercise, watch movies on your computer, scroll through Instagram or TikTok, or rest and relax with the Calm app (another splurge!). Once you have AirPods, you’ll wonder how you lived without them.
All-Clad cookware is expensive, but it’s an investment. If you love to cook, you may already know about the benefits of this top-of-the-line brand. It may seem like a splurge, but a set of All-Clad cookware will last for years—even decades.
Start your day off right (or end it with a calming cuddle) with a warm towel from this towel warmer. Great for colder climates where getting out of the shower or tub can be teeth-chattering cold or for anyone who likes to feel warm and snug after a bath.
For some people, exercise is the ultimate way to relieve stress and relax. For others, it’s crucial to their health and well-being. Whatever your reason for exercising, a home-based program makes it easier to get in your workouts. The NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle connects you to programs, classes and instructors who can take your fitness plan up a notch or two (additional fee for monthly classes). Everyone in the family can use it as well.
Initial necklaces are trendy. You can opt for your initial or the initial (or initials) of your significant other or children. Wear multiple necklaces for a luxe look. This is a splurge you’ll enjoy every time you put it on.
If you live in an apartment or don’t have room for an outdoor garden, an indoor hydroponic garden is a good alternative for growing vegetables, herbs, fruits or flowers. You’ll enjoy watching the development of seedlings into plants. Tending a garden can be very soothing and relaxing, which can help at the end of a long caregiving day.
A tote bag is a must for anyone who carries a lot of stuff—and what caregiver doesn’t? Between medications, shawls, hats, books and other needs, your senior may require help taking their things from place to place. So, indulge yourself with a designer bag that will last forever and look good for years with a Coach Mollie tote.