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It\u2019s no secret: Helping to care for a sick or dying loved one exacts a steep emotional toll. One study found that as many as one in three caregivers rate their stress level as high, and half say they have less time to spend with family and friends.<\/p>\n
But when you\u2019re caring for others, it\u2019s critical that you first take care of yourself. By not doing so, you put yourself at risk of exhaustion, health problems and even total burnout.<\/p>\n
These 10 tips will help keep your stress in check:<\/p>\n
1. Put your physical needs first.<\/strong> Eat nutritious meals. Don\u2019t give in to stress-driven urges for sweets or overindulge in alcohol. Get enough shut-eye; if you have trouble sleeping at night, try napping during the day. Schedule regular medical checkups. Find time to exercise, even if it means you have to ask someone else to provide care while you work out. If you experience symptoms of depression \u2014 extreme sadness, trouble concentrating, apathy, hopelessness, thoughts about death \u2014 talk to a medical professional.<\/p>\n 2. Connect with friends.<\/strong> Isolation increases stress. Getting together regularly with friends and relatives can keep negative emotions at bay.<\/p>\n 3. Ask for help.<\/strong> Make a list of things you have to do and recruit others to pitch in. Even faraway relatives and friends can manage certain tasks.<\/p>\n 4. Call on community resources.<\/strong> Consider asking a geriatric care manager to coordinate all aspects of your loved one\u2019s care. Other service providers, including caregivers from FirstLight Home Care<\/a>, can shoulder some of the many responsibilities of caregiving. Volunteers or staff from faith-based organizations or civic groups might also visit, cook or help you with driving.<\/p>\n