There is nothing fun about stress. While some stress is good for us - like taking on fun challenges - a lot of stress can actually be harmful to our health.
Learning ways to tame our stress reactions can help, along with making changes in our relationships. If you are a caregiver, you may need more breaks, so see our article on respite care.
Life is not possible without some stress, but managed well, stress does not have to be overwhelming!
Peace,
SageMinder Team
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Among the stressors involved in caregiving is the issue of "constant-ness." Sometimes, a caregiver needs to take care of something else in his or her own life, needs to travel, or just needs a break. There are two primary ways to address the need for getting more help with full-time home-based care. One is long-term adult day care which would take responsibility for an elderly person for some part of every week day. The other is temporary respite care for a short time. Usually, respite care is offered by assisted living facilities or memory care facilities.
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When you take on the role of caregiver, you are signing up for potential additional stress in your life.
Even if you religiously follow the standard rules - get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise, take time for yourself - there will still be times when your situation seems overwhelming. Sometimes you can't change the circumstances. But often you can change how you feel about them.
It's helpful to prepare for those tough times by having a plan. Is there someone you can call when you really need a break?
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"Stress Kills" was the bumper sticker from the 80s! And it is true. Some research puts it up there with smoking as a major cause of chronic and fatal diseases. While our ancestors had lions, tigers and bears to worry about, today, we often feel stressed because of other people one way or another. Stress, in terms of the lack of free time and the overwhelming sense of responsibility, can come when other people totally depend on us.
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