Part of my journey as a caregiver is taking care of myself physically. On the show, in my book, and in live events, I regularly emphasize the need for each caregiver to see to their physical, emotional, fiscal, professional, and spiritual needs.

Healthy caregivers make better caregivers.

As I enter my 30th year as a caregiver, I clearly understand that I’m not much good to Gracie if any of those areas are out of balance.

With all that in mind, I’m thrilled to share that I recently earned my Black Belt in Hap Kido. A Korean self-defense art, Hap-Kido has been a wonderful physical outlet for me, and has had a ripple effect into other parts of my life. Breathing and self-control are big parts of martial arts, and those two things dynamically affect me in the day-to-day stress of caregiving.

Listen to the hilarious clip with John (AKA THE COUNT OF MIGHTY DISCO) and me from my radio show for caregivers heard each Sunday at 3 PM on 1510 WLAC/IHEART.com

I’d recommend a book for you to read, but you’re the guy to write it.

This is the statement made to me by a counselor during a particular rough patch as a caregiver. Taking that to heart, I wrote my own book, and I READ my own book. That’s why I am particularly proud of this milestone in martial arts. I follow my own advice of taking care of myself. I’m not much good to Gracie, if I’m not healthy!

The radio show for caregivers.

How about helping yourself or a caregiver you know start a journey of health TODAY. Physically, fiscally, emotionally, spiritual …we are better caregivers when we’re healthy!

Listen to the show, subscribe to the podcast, get the book …we make so many resources available for caregivers!