Caregiver Stress: How About You?

This week: Caregiver Stress
Next week: Preparing To Parent

Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Today's Scripture
Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’"Matthew 22:37-39 NLT

Thoughts for Today
Love yourself!

Sometimes when we read these commandments about love, we only see "love God" and "love your neighbor." But we are also commanded to love ourself! "Love your neighbor as yourself." Loving yourself involves taking care of yourself.

Caregiving can take a toll on your health, your emotions, your family life, and all your relationships. Don't think solely about your parents or other loved ones you are caring for. An unhealthy caregiver is of no value to a care recipient.

A support group can help. Also find a friend you can confide in on a regular basis. If you are a full-time caregiver, find an alternate solution every week to give you a chance for a rejuvenating break. Do something nice for yourself. Spend some quality time with your spouse and children.

Consider this …
Try these additional stress relievers:

• Seek assistance from family, friends, and community resources. Don't try to be a super-hero caregiver. Get help!
• Take care of your health. Eat right, exercise, and get plenty of rest.
• Accept changes as they occur.
• Be realistic about what you can do.
• Keep a journal and express yourself on paper.
• Don't ever get too busy to spend quality quiet time with God in prayer and in his Word.
• Most of all, remember that God is with you. He will comfort you and encourage you. He will guide you and strengthen you. You are never alone.

Prayer
Father, I thank you that I can always count on your love and provision. Show me how to find balance in my life. Help me remember that I can serve you better and help others more if I am willing to take care of myself. In Jesus' name . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …

Caregiving: Caring for Aging Parents by Charles Puchta. The purpose of this curriculum is to provide hope and direction to those concerned about the health and well-being of aging parents or an ill spouse or relative. We address predominate issues most families face. Each session is designed to discuss a specific area of concern such as the purpose of a caregiver or end-of-life planning. It will become clear to participants that the Bible provides encouragement and direction to help them through this caregiving journey. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a study for individuals or couples.

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