Stress Relief for Caregivers

by Michelle H Smith

The ladies in this photo are nurses who have helped care for my son over the years. They have tough jobs.

Professionals are absolutely necessary and they have one of the most caring jobs in the world.  Some do it for free. Most get paid to do it.  Either way, it's a choice to be a caregiver. With that choice comes some heavy responsibility which leads to stress.  That's why stress relief for caregivers is not only important. It's critical.

So, the doctors, nursers and physical therapists are without a doubt irreplaceable.  But what about those of us who aren't getting paid to do the job?  Moms, dads, siblings and more.

Over the past week, I've realized that while everyone has stress in their lives, there are those of us who experience it more than others.

My son was in the hospital for video EEG monitoring two days ago.  He is diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy.  The seizures had recently increased drarmatically and the doctors are not sure why.  We were at the hospital for observation and to get his brain activity recorded.

The food at the hospital was so so. The bed I slept on was like rocks.  The people were nice but how I longed for my own bed.  Through it all, this one thing I know.  My son's health is the biggest concern I have in my life.

CJ's not currently walking or talking.  Every day is challenge, especially nights that are filled with seizures.

Does that sound familiar? Are you a caregiver of a special needs child or family member with health challenges?

Stress relief for caregivers is important for one main reason:

 * We are no good to the people we care for if we don't care for ourselves *

It's important for us to bridge that gap between caring for ourselves and caring for others. That is why I'm changing the focus of this website and this blog.

In the near future, I'll be moving the blog to www.antistressandpainblog.com

The web address is already active but it will be set up for usability, interaction and additional information within the next month.

If you are caregiver and in need of stress relief, this resource is for you.  Bookmark it and visit often.  I have lots to share with you and it will be like no other resource on the web.

The Anti-Stress and Pain Blog will be dedicated to helping caregivers find stress relief with products, resources and sharing of personal stories.  This blog will also introduce you to some natural and alternative methods for caring for your own health.

I am a caregiver and I can relate to what you are going through. Stick with me.

In the meantime, are you looking for some practical tips to obtain stress relief?  Then sign up for the free Stress Less Recipe.  You'll get started off with 10 practical AND crazy (to some) tips & techniques to help you reduce and manage stress. Sign up here.