Prioritizing Self-Care as a Caretaker

Safi and I have found that one important way to recharge and sustain our demanding life is to disconnect from it completely every few months. This weekend was Safi’s turn to take a few days off, which he spent celebrating his birthday with his BFFs Tony and Steve!

We have found that Soraya’s health makes it extremely difficult for us to leave town together overnight, so we typically go on these trips solo. It is REALLY challenging for us to leave the other person with the kids... and it’s a lot more work for the person at home with all the care.

Despite this, we try to push each other regardless of guilt and life craziness to GO AND HAVE FUN! We even try not to text or talk to each other so we can be completely present and disconnected from the demands of our house.

Most of our lives revolve around caring for others—as parents, parents of a child with complex needs, and in our careers as doctors—so making time to focus 100% of our energy on caring for ourselves is essential.

I also think these breaks help us better appreciate what the other person contributes to the household. Safi does all the nighttime vent alarms and pulse ox checks for Soraya– this means he sets his alarm every 2-3 hours through the night! If you know Safi, now you know why he’s always tired ;) And if you saw me this weekend, now you know why I was yawning more than usual LOL.

Sharing this in case anyone needs to hear it: self-care is a necessity and not a luxury. While many can’t travel, even taking mental space away for a small portion of time can be helpful. 

Safi will be home just in time for my first reconstructive breast surgeon consultation tomorrow. 

Life does not give us a pause button so we must create one. 

How do you hit pause in your life? Let me know below or leave a comment here.