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In the first part of Guarding Against Caregiver Burnout we talked about recognizing the symptoms of caregiver burnout.

In Part Two we will talk about the steps we can take to reduce caregiver stress.

A caregiver’s stress affects the entire body from the physical, emotional, mental and even spiritual self.  Finding ways to manage this is essential for both the caregiver and care receiver.

Here are some steps taken from Today’s Caregiver Magazine that can help you manage and reduce stress:

• Be adaptable and positive. Your attitude influences stress levels for both you and the person you are caring for.  If you can “go with the flow”, it will help you both stay relaxed.  Becoming aggravated or agitated will increase the chances that you both will feel the same.
• Deal with what you can control. Is what is happening out of your control (Covid-19 for example)?  What is in your power to control is how you respond and react to these outside factors.
• Set realistic goals and go slow. Prioritize, set practical goals, and don’t hold yourself to unrealistic expectations.  Take things one day at a time.
• Mind your health. As best as you can, make it a priority to get sleep, eat right, drink plenty of water and find ways to be active.  Again, you cannot provide good care to a loved one if you don’t take care of yourself.
• Exercise daily. The energy you put into this will help release tension and your energy level will increase dramatically.
• Clear and refresh your mind. Meditate, spend time in the word of God, listen to music or even take a few deep breaths.  All will help you relax the mind and reduce stress.  Find something that works for you and do it regularly.
• Share your feelings. Stay connected to your support team.  Friends, other family members, community all can help with the feelings you are experiencing.
• Vary the focus of caregiving responsibilities if possible (rotate responsibilities with family members).
• Participate in a support network. If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, consider joining a support group.
• Stay involved in hobbies and interests. Even a half hour a day can make all the difference.
• Consult with a healthcare and wellness professional to help with burnout issues.
• Stay connected to God and your faith. Attend services and bible studies.  Spend daily devotional time and reach out for fellowship with others of your faith.

Are you experiencing burnout right now?  What are you doing to help with this debilitating issue?  What suggestions above can you put into place to help you not only survive but thrive during this season of caregiving?  Please share so other may benefit.

Thank you for reading my post.  If you have found it encouraging please consider liking, commenting or sharing it.  Feel free to even re-blog – may these words take flight!

I have additional insights I’d love to share with you found in the pages of my debut book: Surviving Medical Mayhem – Laughing When It Hurts.  To order a copy or learn more go to my website at www.lorettaschoen.com

Blessings for Health & Wellness.