Caregiver Self-Care: 20 Minutes to Recharge & Stay Sane

Does anyone ever really think they will become a caregiver? I never dreamed I would become a caregiver not once but TWICE!? My Mom and now The Husband.

When The Husband and I got married 42 years ago, the words “for better or worse” Meant a few arguments about me nosing around in his garage. Seriously, this man has an unhealthy attachment to his screwdriver, hammers, and pliers. Use pliers to hammer a nail ONE TIME and you’re automatically forbidden to open the tool chest. Sheesh!

Worse, could have meant my obsession with moving furniture, or hanging a few too many pictures on the wall. It’s CALLED A GALLERY wall, okay?! I can’t help it if it covers the entire house.

Little did I know that “for worse” would actually mean Multiple Sclerosis (MS) 31 years ago, Of course, The Husband, being an over-achiever, wasn’t happy with just having MS. He had to add in a heart attack. Ahhh, not enough attention? Let’s get a pacemaker too, shall we?

A few years later, wet macular degeneration joined the party. That’s a particularly fun one because it requires a monthly shot directly in the eye. After that, he added a non-functioning bladder. I’m telling you, this man constantly tests his body’s limits.

The Husband continues to be an overachiever.

And now? The ultimate crowning achievement: early-stage Alzheimer’s joins the party!

I’m telling ya, This Man can not catch a break!

My Caregiver Tips for Surviving the Daily Chaos

Here are several very important things I have learned about being a caregiver.

1. First, you need humor. I don’t know where we would be without humor. Who knew that my sarcastic, smart mouth would help me to get through the day? It’s my ultimate survival tool.
2. Read everything you can, keep notes, ask questions. Don’t always trust the first doctor!
3. Take detailed notes! I promise you, caregiver brain is REAL!! YOU THINK you will remember everything. You will not. There is too much coming at you all the time. Take the notes. I promise you the doctor will at some point ask, “And when did THIS start?” I dunno a month ago? Yesterday? I dunno. Trust me, THIS is NOT the answer the doctor is looking for.

Why Every Caregiver Needs a 20-Minute Escape

This really should have been labeled “Do As I Say, NOT As I Do.” My friends are constantly reminding me to take time for me. I feel guilty if I do. I KNOW!! Shame on me. (I told YOU! Do AS I SAY! NOT AS I DO!!) HOWEVER!!! I do feel better when I do take that 20-minute escape. It also helps me be more present for The Husband. It’s a win-win.

A hot bubble bath with a nice bottl glass of wine is a classic escape. Audiobooks are another great way to slip away for a bit. However, my absolute favorite way to unwind, relax, and rejuvenate is the reliefRX Quiet Eye Massager.

Although designers made this eye massager for everyday eye fatigue, the gentle heat and rhythmic massage feel incredible. It relieves tension after staring at a computer screen all day (or scrolling Instagram instead of sleeping—guilty!). The first time I put this device on my eyes, I swear I heard baby angels singing. It could have been the dog whining, but I’m sticking with the angels. Every caregiver deserves those 20 minutes of complete quiet. If YOU have a caregiver in your life, THIS is THE GIFT!! Trust ME!

Why the reliefRX Quiet Eye Massager is a Game-Changer:

• Therapeutic Heat Therapy: It gently warms up to relax strained muscles, melt away headaches, and soothe tired eyes after hours of screen time (or endless medical paperwork).
• Rhythmic Air Pressure & Vibration: Delivers a soothing compression massage around your temples and eye area to relieve deep-set facial tension and pressure.
• Reduces Puffiness & Dark Circles: Helps boost circulation to leave you looking refreshed, even when you’re running on four hours of sleep and pure espresso.
• Built-in Bluetooth Speakers: Lets you pair your favorite relaxing playlist, a soothing audiobook, or guided meditation to block out the rest of the house completely.
• Adjustable & Travel-Friendly Foldable Design: Folds up easily so you can take your 20-minute mental health break anywhere—whether that’s in bed, on the couch, or hiding in the quiet of your car.

Okay, be gone with you now; I’m off to escape reality for a while with my reliefRX Quiet Eye Massager.