Can you actually show up for yourself like you show up for others? Caregiving involves a whirlwind of emotions and adjustments, and often the stages of caregiving involve confusion and frustration as well as realization and acceptance.

The Rose of Jericho is a plant used differently in cultures all over the world. At first look, the plant appears gray and dry, as if nearing death. However, the power of the plant shows up the moment it is submerged in water, springing back to life.

Whether you’re an experienced caregiver or a newly minted one, know that every caregiving situation is unique and should be assessed on its own terms because what worked in one situation may not work in another. And as you navigate challenging times in your caregiver journey, you might feel depleted and tired like the Rose of Jericho—but you, too, can spring back.

With so many things to juggle and such a complex, winding road ahead of you, it can be easy to wear ourselves out when trying to support those around us. Take 5 minutes to check in on yourself with these questions.

Taking care of yourself as a caregiver: 5 questions to ask

• Am I thirsty or hungry?  Hydration and food are important to our physical well-being, which affects our mental health, too. Drinking plenty of water is a simple yet vital part of maintaining good health, especially as we get older, and eating healthy ensures you get adequate nutrients.
• Do I feel safe? Safety is a fundamental need we all have. Once safety is compromised, we may feel unbalanced without realizing it.
• Do I need rest? Unhealthy sleep can interfere with daily activities and is associated with lower quality of life and risk of chronic disease. Adults should get seven to nine hours of sleep per night, but about 1 in 3 of us report not getting enough rest. Sleep restores our energy and is an oft-overlooked option for helping us manage our days.
• Do I need to breathe? Allow yourself to take three deep breaths—make them the deepest you've taken all day. Remind yourself we inhale life and exhale exhaustion.

Checking on these basic parts of life will help you meet your cognitive needs. In order for you to show up as a caregiver, friend, or spouse for someone else, self-care is necessary for avoiding burnout and exhaustion. With these simple questions, you can build resilience and strength, like the Rose of Jericho after touching water.