Caring for Yourself

The most important thing you can do for your loved one is to take care of yourself. Just as when a flight attendant says you should first give oxygen to yourself before helping a child with their oxygen, taking care of yourself will help you be a better caregiver and help you cope with the challenges PAH presents.

Here are some simple suggestions:

• Be sure to get adequate sleep
• Make a point to exercise regularly
• Adopt healthy eating habits
• Schedule leisure and rest time for yourself
• Continue hobbies or start a new one
• Make sure you have time when you're completely “off call”
• Find someone to talk to
• Most of all, don't feel guilty for taking time off for yourself