Stress and the Caregiver

We are the “sandwich” generation!

We are caring for our children and our grandchildren. We are most likely caring for our parents in some capacity. And it doesn’t stop there! Even if we are caregivers, most of us are holding down a job outside of the home – maybe two jobs! We have houses to run, meals to cook, laundry to be done, classrooms to volunteer in and churches that need us to lend a hand. We are husbands, wives, parents, grandparents, children of elderly parents, employees! We are all pulled in a million directions! How do we manage??

“Calgone . . . take me away!!!”

In order to survive, we must learn to manage the stress. If we plan to be around, and take care of all the people that we love, we must begin by taking care of ourselves. And one of the best ways to do that is to begin an exercise program. By making a commitment to exercise, not only will you be healthier, but you will feel better about yourself. Too often we are the last person we think about. That needs to change – now.

*Begin by walking. Start slowly, and do a few stretches before you head out. Each day, add a little distance and a little speed.
*Pumping iron. There I said it! Thaaaat’s right! It’s never too late to begin a weight lifting program - no matter what your age! This is just another way to relieve stress for the caregiver. Mix it up. . .cardio and weight training. The stronger and more fit you are, the better your heart, mind, body and soul will be. Not to mention your all-over psyche.
*Yoga! It’s not rocket science! It’s finding ways to get stress out of your life. This is another great way! Buy a video and spend a little time in the morning before everyone else wakes up. Or, after everyone settles down at night, try to unwind with a Yoga video made especially for the evening. You will sleep better and be able to deal with the stresses of the next day!

Of course, if you are caring for a loved one, you might have to ask for help in order to have any time to exercise. Or maybe, you can exercise during nap times or after the person you are caring for goes to bed. Buy an inexpensive baby monitor to keep with you for your peace of mind!

Make the commitment! It will be worth it!

Kevin and Deborah Stanley

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