Why taking time to care for yourself matters
October 19, 2026
When someone you love needs care, your days can fill with appointments, errands, meals and worries. You may be helping a parent, supporting a spouse or caring for another loved one. Along the way, your own needs can quietly fall to the bottom of the list.
November is National Family Caregivers’ Month, a time to recognize the love and dedication caregivers give—and the care they need, too.
“While you’re caring for others, make sure to make time to take care of you, too,” says Alicia Wolfe, Mission Leader, Saint Agnes Health.
“Finding that time isn’t always easy. You may feel guilty stepping away or wonder who will handle things while you rest but remember that you deserve space in the day for your own health, comfort and peace.”
Make room from your health
Try to give your health needs the same attention you give to your loved ones. It can be easy to put off your own doctor’s appointment when you’re busy managing someone else’s care. Keep your appointments on the calendar and plan for someone to help while you’re away.
Make time to eat regular meals and rest when you can. If you’re struggling with how you feel, share that with your primary care provider. You don’t have to wait until everything else is taken care of to care for yourself.
Take a moment for your mind and spirit
Self-care doesn’t have to mean a whole afternoon away. Some days, it may be a quiet cup of coffee, a few minutes outside or a phone call with someone who listens.
Prayer, meditation or simply sitting quietly can also offer a moment to pause. Choose something that brings you comfort, without making it another task you must complete.
Caring for someone you love can bring joy, worry, frustration and sadness—sometimes all in the same day. Give yourself room to acknowledge those feelings and talk with someone you trust.
Let others help in specific ways
When someone says, “Let me know what you need,” you may not know how to answer so keeping a short list of tasks can make it easier to accept help when it’s offered.
“When someone offers help, give them something specific they can do such as bring a meal, run an errand or simply listen,” Wolfe says.
Things you might ask someone to do could include:
- Bring dinner on a busy evening.
- Pick up groceries or household supplies
- Stay with your loved one, if they can safely do so, while you rest or attend an appointment.
- Call and check in with you
Even a small task taken off your list can make room for a needed break.
Remember that you deserve care, too
Your needs matter alongside those of the person you love so asking for help or taking time to rest does not lessen your dedication to them.
At Saint Agnes Health, caring for the whole person means recognizing the needs of body, mind and spirit. That care extends to the family members and loved ones who give so much of themselves each day—including you.
Simple tips to care for yourself
Find everyday ways to care for your body, mind and spirit—even while you’re caring for someone else.
Explore self-care tips