Self-Care Between Visits: Tiny Things That Make a Big Difference

The workday is also about what happens in the car between visits just as much as it is about the visits. That in-between time can be ten minutes of quiet, or it can be a mad dash to get to the next visit. And what you do in that short window can decide whether your energy holds steady or tanks by noon.

For CNAs in home care, there’s rarely time for long breaks or deep rest during shifts. But there are micro-moments... tiny windows between visits... that, when used intentionally, can restore more than you think.

Resetting the Body

Even five minutes of movement makes a difference. Roll your shoulders. Stretch your wrists. Take a deep breath and unclench your jaw. Most CNAs carry stress physically. That tension builds and spreads without you realizing it.

Keep a lacrosse ball or massage roller in your car. Use it against the seat to release tight spots. Change your shoes if they’re digging into your feet. Drink water. These small adjustments make long shifts more manageable.

And if your body hurts, don’t push through endlessly. Document discomfort. Let your supervisor know. 

Calming the Mind

The mental load of caregiving is quiet but constant. You remember client preferences, family dynamics, shifting care plans. You juggle personalities, moods, and logistics.

Between visits, try a simple ritual: play a favorite song. Repeat a grounding phrase. Close your eyes for one full minute before starting the car.

Good home health software can reduce mental clutter. If your notes are easy to access, intuitive to navigate, and don’t take ten clicks to find what you need, your brain can rest between clients instead of racing to recall details.

Emotional Clean-Up

Some visits are light and even joyful. Others are heavy. A client cries. A home feels tense. You leave with feelings you didn’t ask to carry. Don’t take those emotions into the next house. That’s not fair to you or to the next client.

Have a reset routine. Lightly journal a few sentences. Say a small prayer if that’s your style. Name what you’re feeling so it doesn’t ride with you all day.

Using private duty software with mood and interaction logs helps you log those hard visits quickly and move on. You capture what’s needed for the team without rehashing it.

Conclusion

Eat when you can. It doesn’t have to be perfect. A protein bar. A piece of fruit. A sandwich you can eat with one hand. Don’t wait until you’re shaking or snappy. Fueling yourself is part of the job.

In a field where everything revolves around the needs of others, your in-between moments belong to you. Protect them. Use them. And don’t underestimate what five minutes of intention can give back to your day.