"How do you find time for yourself when so many things are happening around you? There are countless tasks to do, and it often feels like there’s hardly any time left for self-care. Most people think of self-care as taking two hours at the spa or going on a week-long vacation—focusing on the big picture. But sometimes, this way of thinking turns self-care into just another thing on your to-do list, something else you *have* to accomplish, which can feel overwhelming.

Instead, it’s helpful to find something you can do for yourself on a daily basis, something that will ground you and bring you back to your center. These small activities don’t have to be grand gestures; they can be simple things that help you stay connected to yourself and give you the strength to keep moving forward.

Ask yourself: What soothes your senses? What calms your mind? Is it something like doing Sudoku, meditating, or reading? How do you stay physically active? Is it stretching, working out, or just taking a walk? And how do you stay connected with others?

It’s important to identify the little things that ground you—those small, daily practices that give you a sense of stability and peace amidst the chaos. These simple habits can become your anchors, helping you recharge and face life’s challenges with renewed energy."

As children, we celebrate the small milestones like standing up for the first time or taking a first step. But as we grow older, we often stop celebrating these small achievements. It would be beneficial to start acknowledging and celebrating the little things in life again, including the small accomplishments we make.

Celebrating is important because it boosts our self-esteem and confidence. It also helps break down long processes into manageable, smaller parts. For caregivers, the journey can feel long and exhausting, and though it may seem like there’s nothing to celebrate, there are small wins along the way that deserve recognition.

Allowing ourselves to appreciate these moments helps us improve in our caregiving role. In the business world, every department has milestones, and throughout the development of a project, teams often celebrate these milestones during meetings. It lifts spirits, refreshes the team, and brings motivation.

Caregiving is no different. Celebrating small wins along this challenging path can offer the same encouragement and a much-needed break. Today is a good day to celebrate, to acknowledge the little victories, and to give ourselves credit for doing our best despite the challenges.

In this podcast, we interview Tara Jenkins who explains how our brains are constantly firing and making connections when we listen to music. There's a lot of science behind how music can engage different centers of the brain. Music can be a valuable tool for caregivers, both by using it with their loved ones and for themselves. Knowing the music that your loved ones enjoy is a great starting point. Besides other tips she explains how matching your breathing to calming music can help soothe you.

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In this podcast I share with you how, during a lift I took I had an amazing conversation. As we grow older, we become more aware of what we truly need. We all go through tough times, but often, we don't pay attention to how we're feeling. This lack of awareness makes it difficult to communicate our needs to others. Learning to recognize our emotions is crucial.

Recognizing emotions involves pausing and tuning into our mental and physical states. Are you feeling anxious, tired, or overwhelmed? Identifying the emotion is the first step, but it doesn't stop there. The next step is to accept those emotions without judgment and find ways to express them constructively.

When we become more aware of our emotions, we can start having healthier conversations with those around us.

Today we will be interviewing Dr. Kerul Kessel, who shares her inspiring life story and offers advice on how to navigate the caregiving stage of life.

Dr. Kessel highlights that simple activities, like watching lighthearted TV shows, can provide the rest the body and mind need, or something as calming as walking the dogs. Being in nature, can help us reconnect with ourselves and regain perspective.

A central theme in her advice is self-awareness.She also encourages involving others in your journey and creating structures that support your efforts to stay centered. Finally, she speaks on the value of giving back to others.

In this podcast, I share how, after a period of burnout, always feeling tired and stressed, and not being able to sleep well for months, I finally feel rested and liberated after a few days of complete disconnection. I tend to want to have control over everything and everyone’s life, and that is not functional for anyone, especially for caregivers, where there are multiple situations beyond our control.

To truly disconnect, it is necessary to make a list of every single thing we do. Learning to delegate to others and trust them is crucial. It involves thinking about potential issues that might arise and preparing your team with the tools and contacts needed to address anything that could go wrong. Ultimately, it means letting go and trusting the process.

Expanding on this, disconnection doesn't just mean physically stepping away from responsibilities; it's about mental and emotional detachment as well. Delegation involves more than just handing off tasks; it’s about empowering others and fostering a collaborative environment.

This process allows caregivers to recharge and return to their duties with renewed energy and perspective. It’s also important to recognize that letting go of control doesn’t equate to neglect. It means creating a sustainable system where everyone involved is better equipped to handle challenges. By sharing this experience, I hope to encourage other caregivers to prioritize their well-being and find balance in their lives.

In this podcast, I discuss how trust is something that is built or broken over time. Trust can grow stronger or be lost depending on actions and experiences. It's essential to establish trust within a support system, and this can be achieved through small challenges that help strengthen it. A robust support system is vital in life, providing a foundation of reliability and confidence that you can rely on in both good times and bad.

Expanding on this, building trust often requires consistent, honest communication and a willingness to be vulnerable. It involves demonstrating reliability, keeping promises, and being transparent in your actions and intentions.

In the context of a support system, trust ensures that members can lean on each other, share openly, and collaborate effectively. It creates an environment where people feel valued and understood, which is crucial for emotional well-being. By nurturing trust, we not only strengthen our relationships but also create a network of support that can help us navigate the complexities of life with greater ease and confidence.

In this podcast, I'll be discussing the difficulty of saying no and setting boundaries. It's often challenging because people generally don't like hearing "no." However, it's crucial to learn how to say no, even if it might disappoint others. Ultimately, prioritizing your own happiness and well-being can lead to a more peaceful and fulfilling life.

While it's natural to want to avoid conflict or disappointment, it's essential to remember that your own needs and boundaries matter. One approach is to explain your perspective calmly and clearly. This can help others understand your reasoning and reduce any potential negative reactions.

Additionally, you can invite others to contribute to the situation by suggesting they take on the tasks or responsibilities you're declining. This way, you're not just saying no, but also offering a constructive way forward. Another helpful strategy is to brainstorm alternative solutions together. This collaborative approach can often lead to creative and mutually satisfying outcomes.

Ultimately, setting boundaries and saying no when necessary is a vital skill for maintaining healthy relationships and personal well-being. It's about finding a balance between being considerate of others and being true to yourself.