Every New Year's Day, we get a gift of a fresh new year with 527,040 hours. Treat time as a finite and precious resource that cannot be renewed, and you'll enrich your year.
Weren't we just getting ready for the holiday season? It happened again – January has slipped away, and we're looking at the second month of a new year.
On the first of January, we each received the gift of 527,040 hours—plus we get a bonus of 1,440 minutes because it's a leap year with an extra day, February 29. By the time you read this, more than 21,000 minutes will have passed this year, and we can't get them back. They're gone. Forever.
Where have you spent your time so far? This is a pivotal question posed in the article "Caregivers: Spend Your Time Wisely This Year" from the January 15 issue of US News & World Report. And how will you spend your time for the rest of the year?
You have about a half a million minutes left, so think of yourself as the sole heir to a half-million dollars. When you look at it like that, each dollar representing a minute will disappear quickly unless you watch your inheritance and control how you spend it. By getting roped into spending your time (money) on things that aren't beneficial, you're left with less time to do what you want.
Are you stuck at home as a caregiver? Do you feel trapped sometimes because you don't have any time for yourself? Many times, primary caregivers feel constrained by too little time (and money) to take better care of themselves.
Leverage your time and energy with periodic breaks from your duties and take advantage of adult-day services, in-home care, or residential care. An experienced elder law attorney can sort out many of the issues that face caregivers. He or she will have information about adult-day services, caregiver support groups, in-home care, assisted living, and skilled-nursing care.
Caregivers face extra stress and deserve the gift of time and self-care. Treat yourself to a visit with an elder law attorney who can help you identify resources that will help you be a better caregiver by taking care of yourself as well.
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