Last week one of my incredible, long-term employees came to me and said, "I know what you need to write about next week. You need to write about all of our amazing patients that are caregivers. They need to know they are not alone and that we can help them, make this time of their lives better." I smiled and we proceeded to talk about the art of caregiving and the caregivers themselves.

You know who you are, you caregivers. You make the world a better place for the people you love. You know what it feels like to see the people you love in pain and hurting. You ride the roller coaster of emotions on a daily basis along with the one you love. You understand the idea of "in sickness and in health" and you stick it out, because that is what love does. Love bolsters us and healing happens when we love others. It doesn't mean the outcomes are always the way we want them, but you are the survivors just as much as the one who has the illness, and you have incredible fortitude and grit. However, we know all that goes into it and few of you take care of yourselves the way you know you should. You are always last on the list. You are always second to get your needs taken care of. So here are some little things to tuck into the moments you do get to make your life better.

Make time for little things:

1. Laughter is the best medicine. Find things that make you giggle everyday whether with your loved one or yourself. Sometimes it's the silliest if things of everyday life that help restore our mind. Watch I Love Lucy or Seinfeld reruns.

2. Have friends to talk to. Catch up with someone that you can do life with. Someone to be able to unload with and you do the same with them. Listen and let go of the pain. Think of it floating down the river, so you are free of it.

3. Make time for good food, drink and physical activity. Cultivate time for healthy food a drink that nourish your soul. Learn to eat alone and then with others. Sit down to enjoy the pleasure of eating. Taste the food and live in the moment. Take time to exercise. This is a must, as your brain needs the endorphins. Many of our patients learn their exercise routine with us and continue with it on the days they are at home so they don't have to go to the gym.

4. Organize your space and life. De-clutter. Throw out anything that is not necessary. Whether it's old papers, unwanted advice givers or clothes. Put your papers and necessary items in a systematic place so your mind is free. You do not need anything that takes up space in your physical and mental arena.

5. Keep a small journal. When you are waiting for the coffee to brew, jot down a few things that might be running around in your mind. These thoughts lead us to some peace in the midst of chaos. Write before bed, things that happened that moved you or you are afraid of today.

6. Learn the art of Meditation. This takes you about 5 minutes a day. Use the free App Mindshift for great breathing, visualizations and mini mind vacations. It's amazing how this restores balance in your life.

7. Take time for Spiritual awareness. All of us worship differently. Maybe it's the walk around the block with the neighbor's dog or the prayer before bed, but take time to re-set by knowing there is a greater power than just you and what you are going through. This spiritual awakening will change your heart and give you joy.

8. Don't hide out alone with only your ill loved one. Invite others to help share the ride. Family, friends and church people often want to help but don't know what to say or do. Don't be afraid to ask. It is a blessing for others to give you a break, just help them know how.

9. Change your thoughts. Thoughts are fleeting. They can run over you and bury you as well. Don't go round and round with them. Notice them and then if you need to worry set aside a 10 minute worry time a day. For 10 minutes worry as much as you can, when the timer rings you are done. When the worry comes in middle of a phone call or your work time, tell yourself now is not the time, you will put that in your worry time only. Them your mind is open to come up with healthy, better solutions.

10. Learn to play. Play is a purposeless activity. Maybe it's blowing bubbles with the neighbor kids while your spouse sleeps or throwing horseshoes with a friend. But you must play, as it is a breath of fresh air on a muggy day for your soul.

Research indicates that most caregivers will become ill 3 years after their spouse or significant other passes away, if they do not take care of themselves. I am asking you to take care of yourself. I am asking you to make a commitment to yourself today, to step forward and try a few of these little things toward a new life. I know it sounds like just one more thing on your long to do list, but it might just save your life.

•••

Sheree DiBiase, PT, is the owner of Lake City Physical Therapy and she and her staff want you to know that we are here for you as you go on this crazy journey called life. We are all on the journey too and we want you to know you don't need to do this alone. We are here for you. Coeur d'Alene office (208) 667-1988, Hayden office (208) 762-2100, Spokane Valley office (509) 891-2623. Follow us on Facebook.