48 Mental Breaks for Caregivers:
A Little Bit of Joy in the Chaos

Below you'll find a list of 48 Mental Breaks for Caregivers

If you’re a caregiver, whether for a loved one with MS or another condition, you already know—it’s a full-time job. It's one that extends beyond everyday physical care into emotional and mental exhaustion. Caregiving is rewarding, but let’s be honest: it’s also a lot.

It’s easy to get caught up in the responsibilities—appointments, medications, symptom management, and making sure your loved one has everything they need—but what about you? When was the last time you took a moment just for yourself, a moment to breathe?

That’s where mental breaks come in. They may seem small, but they’re powerful. Taking little moments to do something just because it feels good isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Giving yourself permission to enjoy a simple pleasure or let go of stress, even briefly, can help you recharge and continue showing up as the caregiver your loved one depends on.

This list is here to remind you that joy is still there, waiting to be embraced, even in the midst of caregiving. Whether you try just one today or decide to indulge in a few, know that you deserve these moments.

Some of these might make you smile instantly, while others might stir up a bit of nostalgia. And that’s the point—sometimes, just remembering the good things is a break in itself.

48 Mental Breaks for Caregivers

1. Making chocolate chip cookies
2. Falling in love
3. Laughing so hard your face hurts
4. A hot shower
5. No lines at the Super Wal-Mart
6. A special glance
7. Getting mail—other than bills or junk mail
8. Taking a drive on a pretty road
9. Hearing your favorite song on the radio
10. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside
11. Hot towels out of the dryer
12. Finding the sweater you want is on sale for half price
13. Chocolate milkshake (or vanilla!)
14. A long-distance phone call
15. A bubble bath
16. Giggling
17. A good conversation
18. The beach
19. Finding a $20 bill in your coat from last winter
20. Laughing at yourself
21. Midnight phone calls that last for hours
22. Running through sprinklers
23. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all
24. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful
25. Laughing at an inside joke
26. Friends
27. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you
28. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep
29. Your first kiss
30. Making new friends or spending time with old ones
31. Playing with a new puppy
32. Having someone play with your hair
33. Sweet dreams
34. Hot chocolate
35. Road trips with friends
36. Swinging on swings
37. Wrapping presents under the Christmas tree while eating cookies and drinking eggnog
38. Song lyrics printed inside your new CD so you can sing along without feeling stupid
39. Going to a really good concert
40. Winning a really competitive game
41. Spending time with close friends
42. Seeing smiles and hearing laughter from those friends...
43. Holding hands with someone you care about
44. Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change
45. Riding the best roller coasters over and over
46. Watching the expression on someone's face as they open a much-desired present from you
47. Watching the sunrise
48. Getting out of bed every morning and thanking life for another beautiful day

The Power of Small Joys

Maybe reading through that list stirred up some pleasant memories. Or maybe it reminded you of how long it’s been since you’ve done something just for fun. The truth is that caregiving can feel overwhelming. And if you're honest, it can be hard to prioritize yourself when there’s always something that needs to be done.

Taking a mental break isn’t about neglecting your responsibilities—it’s about making sure you have the energy to keep showing up for them. Caregiving requires so much of you, emotionally, mentally, and physically, that it’s easy to pour everything into your loved one and forget about yourself.

But you can’t take care of someone else if you’re running on empty. Think of it like refilling your own cup. You need those small, joyful moments to recharge, even if they’re brief. Even if you only have five minutes, find something that sparks a little happiness.

Maybe it’s stepping outside to feel the fresh air on your face or savoring your favorite snack. Maybe it's listening to a song that lifts your spirits and dancing around the house. It doesn’t have to be grand or time-consuming. Sometimes, the smallest things bring the biggest relief. Give yourself permission to pause, breathe, and embrace the moment. You deserve it.

Let yourself have a moment of laughter, even if nothing feels particularly funny. These little breaks build resilience, helping you push through the harder days while holding onto the lighter ones.

And if you found this list helpful, please pass it along to someone else who might need it. Caregiving can be isolating. Sharing these little moments of joy can remind each other that we’re not alone in this journey.

Which of the 48 mental breaks for caregivers are you going to try today?

You can find this list at Caregiver.com (clicking here will open a new window).

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