By Gary Barg

I've had a few conversations recently about what it takes to become a "successful caregiver." This is an important conversation for us to have in this country at this time. Talking about what makes a successful family caregiver focuses on the needs of the caregiver. But, so much of the recent dialog about what makes a caregiver “successful” concentrates on developing a state of mind that would lead to results sometime in the future. Although this is a good thing, very few dialogues concentrate on the here and now.  

I began to wonder if we could develop a caregiver's emotional "First Aid Kit," a quick and easy emergency recipe that we caregivers could use to lift our spirits in a pinch.

If you find it to be of value, please print it out and put it in a place you can find if you need it.  

In other words, feel free to "Break the Glass" in times of emergency.

1. Smile. We often forget to do this simple act, and we forget how well it lifts our spirits.
2. Call someone who makes you feel good, especially if you haven’t spoken with them in a long time. 
3. Have a bite of something sinfully delicious, while being conscious your own dietary limitations. When was the last time you treated yourself to a snack?
4. Take a bubble bath, once you make sure that your loved one is safe and secure. Nothing expresses caregiver self-care better than a leisurely bubble bath.
5. Read. Pick up that novel or re-read that motivating poem. When was the last time you turned off the television, turned down the phone and read something nice? (P.S. this tip goes very well with tip number 3.) 
6. Get a massage. It’s like taking a mini vacation. It will relax you and take care of all the tension you build up every day. 
7. Buy yourself some flowers. You deserve it and the sight and smell of something beautiful and fragrant will give you a reason to smile (see number 1.) 
8. Take a walk at a pace that allows you to feel the energy of the world washing over you. 
9. Go shopping and buy something just for you. Something that makes you feel special. 
10. Go online. You can explore different places, find new friends and learn new things. Make the Internet your getaway even when you can’t get out of the house.