Avoiding Caregiver Burnout

One of the greatest risks to caregivers is burnout. This issue has been known to plague both family members caring for the aging and health care workers alike. Everyone is told to eat right, exercise, join a support group, and sleep well. However, the instant gratification of self-defeating vices, such as smoking, drinking, and binge eating, often pull people in stressful situations out of a healthy lifestyle. Personally, I have made it a point to create multiple wells to draw from when I feel drained. Songwriting, bible study, running, and volunteering have all served as sources of rejuvenation for me in my time of need.