Stress Relief

Medical researchers say the stress from caregiving can take ten years off of your life!  It's estimated that 60-90% of all disease is linked to unmanaged stress in the body. 

We need to focus on managing, not eliminating stress.  (There's really no way to eliminate the stress in our lives anyway).  There will always be things that happen that our outside of our control...however, we can control the way we react to those things.  Trust that you have everything you need to manage stress built right inside of you.  

​What's working for others?  Here are the results of one study...
Good news:  You'll start to feel better fast with just a few minutes of listening to music, exercising, praying, or meditating.  Try one of these healthy stress-busting habits today! 

Caregiver Stress Syndrome:  It's a Real Thing

Do you often feel tired, angry, or guilty?  Those are a few of the signs and symptoms of something healthcare professionals have named Caregiver Syndrome, or Caregiver Stress Syndrome.
More than 66-million people in America alone are taking care of loved ones who are sick, eldery, or critically ill for an average of just over 39 hours each week.  Nearly 13-million people are also taking care of their own children. ("The Sandwich Generation"). 
The chronic stress that goes along with giving that level of care on a daily basis has a negative impact on the immune system, and it has been shown to increase the risk of all serious illness. 
Health care professionals believe caregivers should keep a close watch on their wellness.  Many studies are being done to help assess the health risks based on stress to the immune system.  Specifically, researchers are look at:
  • Endocrine function
  • Risk for depression
  • Sleep issues
  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Increased risk of infectious disease
  • Increase risk of death
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The American Academy of Family Physicians and the national Center on Caregiving encourage all caregivers to be screened for stress and depression .  They also promote "stress coping skills" like getting enough sleep, exercise, and relaxation. 

Research shows that having a support group also helps to reduce stress through learning coping skills, and sharing and participating in a supportive community.  I'd love to have you join our Take Care Tips Facebook community.