Caregiving can be an all-consuming task.
As you no doubt remember from your parenting days, managing the life of another human being is a stressful and gargantuan responsibility. You're forgiven for feeling the pressure, but has caregiving completely uprooted your life? Take this quiz to determine whether or not you have let caregiving take control.
You make time for vacations away from the person you act as caregiver for.
True
Vacations are a difficult thing to plan and execute when you have to be on-call constantly, but they are a worthwhile method of stress reduction. Taking a week for yourself is better than being present physically but gone mentally.
How many hours a week do you spend caregiving?
The average amount of time family members spend providing caregiving is 20 hours a week. If you are doing more than that, perhaps it is time to enlist a relative or professional helper.
You resort to smoking or drinking to deal with the stress of caregiving.
Many people turn to alcohol and tobacco to manage stress. If you have resorted to these substances, its important to realize that caring for your loved one is not worth the loss or your health.
How many days a week do you feel stressed about caregiving?
Stress causes a host of harmful effects on the body, including high blood pressure and decreased immunity. Each person has his or her own tolerance level for stress. If you feel that you are reaching yours, its time to rethink your schedule.
How many helpers do you have?
Dont go it alone. Caregivers often feel that they are the only people capable of caring for their loved ones properly, but that way of thinking can have serious effects on your stress level. If it is possible to recruit or hire helpers, do it.
You feel happy with your life right now.
Happiness is invaluable. If you are not feeling happy, its time for a change. Your loved one would want that for you.
How many days a week do you feel irritable?
It goes without saying that being irritable is not helpful. If youre constantly feeling frustrated with life, it may be useful to adopt yoga, meditation, or another relaxing daily practice.
How many days a week do you get at least seven hours of sleep?
Different people require different amounts of sleep every night. In general, though, doctors recommend about seven hours. If you are consistently getting less than that the optimal amount, you may be putting your health at risk.
You find the time to take care of your own business.
Your own business should be a priority. Dont remember to contact Medicaid for your loved one but forget to pay your utilities bill. It will only lead to more stress.
You find the time to enjoy your own interests and hobbies.
If youre losing yourself in caregiving, its time to take a step back and remember the things you enjoyed before you took it up.
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