Illness increases stress, whether you are the one who is ill or you are the caregiver. It is not possible to care for someone else if you are not feeling well. Chronic stress can affect the musculoskeletal system, the cardiovascular system, the immune system, the central nervous system, and the gastrointestinal system. In order to manage chronic stress, you must learn to take a break yourself without feeling guilty. It is necessary, of course, to eat a well-balanced diet as well as engage in some type of exercise program at least 20 minutes 3-5 times a week. In addition, treat yourself to something you enjoy. The importance of self-care cannot be overemphasized. It does not have to cost a lot to take care of yourself. A relaxing and revitalizing bubble bath or facial, a bouquet of flowers or an energizing cup of tea are some of the suggestions found in a great resource: The Woman's Comfort Book by Jennifer Louden, published by HarperSanFrancisco, 1992. Consider a new lipstick, nail shade or cologne. Don't forget to keep your skin healthy. Check out other ideas on
Let's not forget the men: take a few hours for a few holes of golf; putter in your workshop; wash the car; read the paper or a good book. The idea is to find something that will get your mind off the current situation long enough to refresh and revitalize so that you are able to go back to a less than ideal situation with new energy and a positive mind set.
