Occasional time away is needed and important for self-care. While time away does need some planning, keep things in perspective. Remember, this plan does not have to be something that works for months or years, but rather, something that only needs to last and function the duration of the getaway.
So, do not be afraid to ask for favors, use resources, or spend a little extra money to make a care plan that works. Start by writing out all of your responsibilities, from check-in calls to grocery drop-offs to drives to appointments, specifically for dates you will be gone.
Next, group these responsibilities into categories: things that can wait until we are back, things that can still happen with preplanning, and things we can have another fill-in. For instance, perhaps your normal grocery run for mom can be ordered and prescheduled through a third party, a friend can step in for that doctor’s appointment, or, a hired hand can check in for 2 hours a day. Work backward, create a plan, and communicate this plan with a loved one so that they are comfortable with it. Remind yourself that you don’t need their permission to leave, and they will survive a few days of someone else filling in.
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