Five Easy Steps to Decreasing Caregiver Stress

Fact: anyone who says they have no stress is lying!

We all have stress - it's a part of our everyday lives. Stress is anything that causes mental or physical strain and disrupts our internal balance. From hunger to fatigue to pain to threats and worries, stress can disturb our well-being.

Acute (short-lived) stress releases certain hormones and causes things like increases in alertness, circulation, blood pressure and sweating, which disappear when things go back to normal. The problems begin with long-term stress, which keeps your body on continuous alert. This is when the effects of stress can cause disruptions in overall health.

Yes, long-term stress can make us sick - physically and mentally. Too much stress over a long period of time can wreak havoc on our bodies and our lives. And caregivers (somebody who has the principal responsibility of caring for a child or dependent adult) are perhaps most susceptible to stress.

Caregiver's Stress Signals

Muscle tension
Headaches and fatigue
Skin disorders (hives, acne, eczema, itching)
Stomach problems (acid reflux, changes in bowel habits, cramps)
Sleep disturbances
Fluctuations of weight, blood pressure, moods, concentration
Decreased immunity
Pain in the jaws, chest, joints, etc.
Loss of libido, reproductive problems
Irritable, argumentative, jumpy, anxious, depressed
Constant state of worry

Chronic stress inhibits your body from rebuilding energy, but worst of all, it can contribute to things like heart disease, hypertension, ulcers, migraines, chronic pain, autoimmune diseases, obesity, asthma and diabetes.

Caregivers R-E-L-A-X

Perhaps the most important thing you can do for yourself and your dependent loved one is to take care of yourself!

Everyone deals with stress differently. Unfortunately, it takes less effort to cope negatively with stress by venting, nail biting, hair twisting, overeating, smoking, excessively consuming caffeine or becoming antisocial. But in reality all of these "coping strategies" only hamper your health further!

Repose and Respire - In Other Words, Rest and Relax!