The basics of living. What are they? How do we define them? The basics of life are defined by natural processes that humans must undergo to survive, but they are the ones we have to monitor. Unlike breathing, thinking, or having our heart pump blood, the basics of living are centred around exterior needs, such as eating, drinking water, sleeping, and so on. Being a young carer, you might find it hard to keep on top of all of these needs. In this post, we will give some suggestions on how you might focus on the basics!
First off: eating. Eating and drinking are two of the most important tasks you will ever complete in life. Without these two essential ways to fuel your body, you cannot live. Make sure that when you eat, you are eating healthy, balanced meals, and try to opt for water over juice or soft drinks, as these contain lots of sugars and don't hydrate your body as well as water. It is important remember that food is fuel for your body, so try your best to make healthy choices whenever possible. What you put in is what you get out, so if you want to feel your best, eat only the best!
Sleep is another essential factor of life. Without sleep, it is impossible for us as humans to function. 8 hours is the minimum amount you should be getting of sleep every night. Without a solid 8 hours of sleep, you will not be able to perform at your optimal level. Another side note: try your best not to skip valuable hours of sleep to get other tasks done. A restful sleep will make you more productive the next day, and as a result, you will probably be able to get all those tasks done at a more appropriate time of day. If you find that getting enough restful sleep or settling down for sleep is difficult, you are not alone – this is difficult for many young carers. Some techniques to improve your sleep could include creating a calming routine for sleep (with some calming music, reading or meditation, and no screens!), going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, and wearing earplugs to bed if you get woken up easily in the middle of the night.
First off: eating. Eating and drinking are two of the most important tasks you will ever complete in life. Without these two essential ways to fuel your body, you cannot live. Make sure that when you eat, you are eating healthy, balanced meals, and try to opt for water over juice or soft drinks, as these contain lots of sugars and don't hydrate your body as well as water. It is important remember that food is fuel for your body, so try your best to make healthy choices whenever possible. What you put in is what you get out, so if you want to feel your best, eat only the best!
Sleep is another essential factor of life. Without sleep, it is impossible for us as humans to function. 8 hours is the minimum amount you should be getting of sleep every night. Without a solid 8 hours of sleep, you will not be able to perform at your optimal level. Another side note: try your best not to skip valuable hours of sleep to get other tasks done. A restful sleep will make you more productive the next day, and as a result, you will probably be able to get all those tasks done at a more appropriate time of day. If you find that getting enough restful sleep or settling down for sleep is difficult, you are not alone – this is difficult for many young carers. Some techniques to improve your sleep could include creating a calming routine for sleep (with some calming music, reading or meditation, and no screens!), going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, and wearing earplugs to bed if you get woken up easily in the middle of the night.
The final essential basic of life is self-care. It is vital that you take time for yourself to do things that make you happy! As a young carer, your needs can often come second to taking care of your family member and it might be difficult to focus on your own needs. It is important for your health, mental health, and well-being that you do your best to set aside time to do things for yourself and relax! This might mean that you set aside some time each day to exercise, read, meditate, listen to music, hang out with friends – whatever makes you feel refreshed and rejuvenated!
While it can be difficult to focus on your own needs consistently as a young carer, just doing the best you can, whenever you can, can have a positive impact on your well-being and help you to take better care our yourself and your loved ones.
- Written by Ismay Earl and Annie Basterfield
Photos from freedigitialphotos.net ("Fruits and Vegetables" by Suat Eman, "Woman Reading a Book" by Naypong)
While it can be difficult to focus on your own needs consistently as a young carer, just doing the best you can, whenever you can, can have a positive impact on your well-being and help you to take better care our yourself and your loved ones.
- Written by Ismay Earl and Annie Basterfield
Photos from freedigitialphotos.net ("Fruits and Vegetables" by Suat Eman, "Woman Reading a Book" by Naypong)
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