5 Ways to Customize Your Family’s Personal Care
Maintaining the self-care needs of every individual in an entire family can be one of the most difficult challenges you face each day. Everyone has personal care needs, but not everyone realizes there is no one-size approach to self-care. Each individual in your house is unique, and while that may be a good thing, it comes with a few obstacles. Here are five areas in which everyone’s self-care needs may differ and what you can do to accommodate everyone.
1. Sleeping Arrangements
One of the most important self-care needs you have is sleep. Numerous studies have shown that without the right amount of sleep, you won’t be at your optimal performance the following day. The type of mattress you sleep on can greatly impact how well you sleep. Try out different mattresses to determine if you do better on a firm mattress that offers lots of support, or do you need a mattress topper to comfort your shoulders when you side sleep? Beds today are made in a variety of styles to comfort single and double sleepers. Make sure each person in your family has the best sleep accommodations to fit their needs.
2. Bathing Times
Is bath time chaotic in your home? Some people may want to shower in the evenings while others prefer to bathe right after getting out of bed. Your family can create a bath schedule to avoid grumpy meetings at the bathroom door.
There are several issues to take into account. People who should bathe at night would include those who have to leave the house the earliest, as well as those who require special attention to their hair, such as flat irons. People who might want to bathe upon waking would be those who don’t get as grubby throughout the day, or those who need the rush of water to help them fully wake. Consider those that schedule morning workouts for later morning showers. Bath time should be democratic rather than total anarchy.
3. Nutritional Needs
Even something as mundane as nutritional needs do vary by family member. Consider that some of your family members will be lactose intolerant, and others will choose the vegetarian lifestyle. While you can be sure that everyone is getting an offering of fruits and vegetables at every meal, also be sure you’re supplementing with vitamins for those with special dietary needs.
4. Exercise
Just a few decades ago it was a given that children would get the daily exercise they needed by going out and playing with their peers. Today, and each year following, it is more likely children are going to find their entertainment at home on computers, television, and phones. Digital media is not a suitable substitute for time lost outdoors.
Get the family involved in sports, and if someone lacks aptitude for sports, there is still hiking, riding bikes, going to the gym, yoga, or even dance class. The point is to make sure there is regular movement. Sitting for long periods of time is strongly associated with an increased risk of health issues.
5. Mental Health
When thinking of personal care, mental health is often overlooked, but it is just as important as every other self-care issue on this list, and perhaps even more so. Pay attention to the happiness levels in your family. Do some members struggle with the winter months and holidays? Adults and children need to feel joy and smile.
One of the best ways to boost moods is time spent outdoors. Whether you’re working in the yard, headed for a beach, or taking a leisurely walk in a local park, all receive the same vitamins from the sun and air that refreshes and heightens the senses. Outdoor time isn’t the only answer, though. Always make sure your loved ones have someone they feel they can open up and talk with, even if that someone is a counselor or other mental health professional.
Conclusion
Meeting the demands of an entire family’s self-care needs isn’t a picnic, but it’s also not algebra. With some time and thoughtfulness, you can make it happen.
