If you're caring for an ill or aging parent while trying to meet the demands of a career -- while also being a loving spouse and raising children, the stress of it all often can be overwhelming, leading to burnout, says caregiving expert Carroll Devine.
To survive all those demands, she says, you need to take care of yourself first. That means you must maintain and improve your own physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.
Eat right, because stress depletes the body's store of vitamins and vitamins, weakening the immune system and leaving you vulnerable to disease. Get enough sleep and exercise daily to keep in shape and ward off depression.
Devine recommends you take time to nourish your mind with reading, conversation and contemplation to counteract stress-caused mental immobilization and try to maintain a good sense of humor. Finally, be positive about yourself -- look for good in yourself make daily affirmations, and reward yourself from time to time for the good you do.
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