One of the hardest things about running an in home program is that you are always tired.
Not tired like from a hard days work. I've been that. Not tired like staying up to study in college (sometimes only two or three hours of sleep) or even tired like having a baby (same as college:) but tired in spirit, exhausted in hurt for your child, worn out in body and soul. So far in my life, there has been nothing to compare to it. Nothing.
Trying to save someone's life is exhausting in every way.
When this work starts to extend longer than you had hoped, the weariness extends with the tiredness.
Here are some things you must consider to keep yourself going?
- Are you taking breaks? You may feel you can't afford them but you must. You are not being lazy to sit in front of the TV for an hour. You are taking a much needed emotional break.
- Are you exercising? No jokes here. Exercise relieves stress. ( I am not a doctor and don't play one on TV :) It also helps keep your body fit and you need your body to get through this.
- Do you have friends? They are easy to lose during this time but you need to have some... you must make room for them.
- Are you pacing yourself wisely? You've heard this before. I'm not totally into the marathon analogy. I do think ABA requires at times hard bursts of intense focus...but you have to be sure the energy you burn is necessary. Parents kind find themselves running in circles, not really getting anything done but working so hard.
- Which leads me to taking care of yourself. Eating right, getting enough sleep. Staying up late because you have so much to get done means you are not using your time wisely when you are awake. Now I realize some of you have always stayed up late working on projects, etc. It's your way. But you are in an extended home program. You cannot have extended lack of sleep or you will burn out. I've found that my work is NEVER done with ABA and that I have to set a time to close down the shop in terms of making materials, etc. I choose 9 o'clock because we get up at 6 o'clock.
There are many reasons why parents lose their ABA programs but one of those is down right weariness. When you see this coming on, take time and figure out how you can refresh yourself. Consider your condition as important as any other element in your ABA program.
My heart is with you,
Katherine Lee