Better Cognitive Self-Care as a Special Needs Parent

(This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive a commission, if you purchase an item through a link, at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Genuine recommendations only.)

Two hands offering a cup of coffee with decorative foam. Text reads: Welcome!

Better cognitive self-care as a special needs parent can be addressed in a few minutes a day and improve overall quality of life.

Three white and blue mugs on a wooden bench outside. Text overlay reads: Better Cognitive Self-Care as a Special Needs Parent.

What is Cognitive Self-Care?

Cognitive self-care is made up of the activities you do to take care of your mind. It is also activity designed to better understand yourself.

Activities designed to keep your brain functioning address cognitive self-care.

Cognitive self-care addresses learning new things, problem solving, and memory.

Table set with rows of white saucers with spoons and mugs.

Importance of Better Cognitive Self-Care as a Special Needs Parent

Cognitive self-care helps us maintain mental clarity, make good decisions, learn new things, and find solutions to challenges. All of these are important for special needs parents dealing with the emotions and influx of information about their child’s needs and treatment.

Stress can also take a toll on your cognitive well-being. You have probably heard of decision fatigue. Well, special needs parents have many decisions to make on a daily basis for themselves, their children, and the entire family.

Special needs parents have a lot on their minds. This can put a strain on overall cognitive well-being. In addition to the physical fatigue experienced on the special needs journey, you may also struggle with mental fatigue.

Mental fatigue can lead to slower responses, word finding difficulty, and stress.

Better cognitive self-care can help you stay mentally sharp!

Table set with rows of saucers and upside down teacups in white with a blue floral pattern.

Fun Activities for Better Cognitive Self-Care as a Special Needs Parent

Let’s look into some fun ways to address cognitive self-care. Each of these can be done in short time periods and come in a variety of levels.

Crossword Puzzles

Crossword puzzles give a great brain work out! They come in a variety of levels and themes. Often puzzles marked Monday and Tuesday are easiest and progress in difficulty as the week progresses.

These puzzles are portable and can be completed in one sitting or over several sittings. I like to keep a book in my care for when I find myself waiting, such as grocery pick up times.

It is my personal goal to finish a Sunday New York Times puzzle!

Cover image for The New York Times Best of the Week Monday Crossword Puzzles.

Image of The New York Times Daily Crossword Page-A-Day Calendar for 2022.

Sudoku

Sudoku is a type of number puzzle. The most common version comes in a square grid. These puzzles are completed using numbers 1-9 once per vertical/horizontal line and individual nine square grids within a larger grid of 3×3 blocks of 3×3 smaller blocks.

It may sound confusing at first, but after completing a few puzzles you will know the rules and start developing strategies!

Cover image of Brain Games - Relax and Solve: Sudoku.

Cover image of Brain Games - Mindfulness Sudoku.

Sudoku Puzzle Book for Adults, Young Adults and Teens: 1000 Sudoku Puzzles Easy to Hard including Standard Sudoku, Killer Sudoku, Sudoku Samurai, Marathon and more

Jigsaw Puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles come in a variety of pictures, sizes, piece count, and challenge level.

This is a great cognitive activity to do while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea in the morning. It is also a nice activity to do with the entire family.

For more info and fun puzzle suggestions check out More about Self-Care Hobbies for Special Needs Parents: Puzzles.

Handheld Puzzles

Handheld puzzles also provide a cognitive work out. These puzzles are also called combination puzzles or sequential move puzzles. You are probably most familiar with the Rubik’s cube.

These puzzles can be enjoyed multiple times. You can also easily carry them in your bag or car for on-the go cognitive challenges!

Image of Educational Insights Kanoodle 3-D Brain Teaser Puzzle Game.

Image of The Genius Star - Toy of The Year Award.

Brain Teasers and Cognitive Puzzles

Brain teasers, mysteries, and logic puzzles are also a great way to challenge your mind! These activities can help you focus on solving a problem and looking at challenges from different angles.

Cover image of The Ultimate Brain Health Puzzle Book for Adults: Crosswords, Sudoku, Cryptograms, Word Searches, and More!

Cover image of Puzzling Escapes Return to the Cruise Ship from a Deserted Island.

Cover image for Can You Solve My Problems?: Ingenious, Perplexing, and Totally Satisfying Math and Logic Puzzles.

Learning Something New Daily

Make learning something new a habit with daily word learning or trivia. You do not need to wait until the start of the year, get started with learning today.

Image of 365 New Words-A-Year Page-A-Day Calendar 2022.

Image of 365 Days of Amazing Trivia! Page-A-Day Calendar 2022: Hundreds of Fun, Fascinating, and Surprising Facts.

Reading

Reading is another way to expand knowledge and stay mentally sharp. I really enjoy listening to audiobooks and the Great Courses available on Audible Premium Plus. E-readers also allow me to easily read at home and on the go. You might also enjoy a Kindle Unlimited plan.