Today, the third Friday in February, is National Caregivers Day. It’s a day set aside to recognize and acknowledge the critical contributions made by both professional and family-based caregivers, most of the latter are devoted and unpaid family members.

To those caring for a beloved family member, this celebration day may be unexpected and certainly unusual. Ordinarily you are the one doing so many loving tasks that to be celebrated for something that seems so “natural” in your everyday life may feel odd.

I have been working to support caregivers for generations and what I’ve learned (in part) comes with an important invitation.

I invite you to consider ways you can also attend to your own self-care – at least once a week, hopefully more often.  A short walk outside while breathing deeply and focusing on you is one example.  A massage or (for you women caregivers) a mani-pedi or a night out with friends all qualify.

For National Caregiver Day and EVERY DAY, please take care of you as well as caring so thoughtfully for our loved one!!!

For more info, go to www.ParentingOurParents.org