(HealthDay News) -- Caring for someone else during a serious illness can take a lot out of you. The American Academy of Family Physicians says it's important to take care of yourself as you care for someone else.

The academy offers these suggestions:

• Get regular checkups with your own doctor.
• Eat a healthy, nutritious and balanced diet.
• Find time for plenty of sleep.
• Schedule time for 30 minutes to 60 minutes of exercise at least four days per week.
• Help manage stress with techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises.
• Take some time for yourself every once in a while.