Are you driven by felt "expectations" from others? Your parent, other family members, even your own assumptions about what you should be doing? Take time to reflect on the things that drive you all week... Consider how you can work rest periods into your daily routines. Even small bits of time carved out JUST FOR YOU, like 20 minutes, can give you spaces to rest, regroup, and then continue with your day. Set rest periods that work for you, honor your efforts to help others, and practice boundaries in protecting that time. If you don't, no one else will.

Caring for yourself should happen every day, but we all know how hard that is as we take on the responsibility of caring for a parent in some way. We've probably all heard the saying "take 5" at work, in sports, in class... Taking 5 minutes can actually make a difference though! And when our day starts getting us worked up, try saying to yourself "take 5" and do it! Step outside of your house, the room, or even just your own thoughts that keep you preoccupied with worry or stress. Start a habit of "taking 5" daily, and see if it helps to diffuse the stress of the moment. Little acts to take charge, can actually become life sustaining habits that help reduce stress.