Caregiver Stress: How about You?
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
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 . . .
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©Living Free 2020. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to [email protected]
