I was sent a notice today about the new Caregiver Stress online training through ACEC.

Did you know there are 2 types of stress? There is helpful and harmful stress. The training also gives insight as to what stress can do to us and how our bodies and behaviors reflect this stress.

Most of us are caregivers in one fashion or another. Some of us have aging parents, and/or children, some just have pets that keep us very busy. But no matter who we take care of it can be stressful at times.

Not knowing our future, and living in an unpredictable world, we can face daily stress at home, work, and throughout our personal lives. It can be internal or external factors such as our daily work schedule to the economy. Some things we have more control of than others. The key is what to do with stress when it “hits” you.

Some people can handle stress better than others. Some show it in their facial expressions, or within their entire demeanor. Some people bottle it up entirely causing damage to their health or lashing out when it gets to be too overwhelming.

With everything in life it is all about moderation and changing the things you have control over. Finding out what stresses you is the first step. Next, is to decide if the situation can be changed, and if so how? Who can help you change your stressful situation? When can it be changed?

You will be better off if you can identifying the stress, and what resources you have available to you to make it manageable. Sometimes resources include books, support groups, blogs, or simply people to delegate tasks to, so you can take a breather. We all need to take a break now and then so pulling your resources together helps you form your “team” that will be there for you when you need it most.

We need to plan things out, have goals and certainly prioritize. Planning ahead improves your chances of turning your harmful stress into helpful stress. Sure it’s easier said then done for most, but the more you practice the better you will become. It’s no better time than the present to take a moment and recap your day, and to reflect on the things that are important to you. Never forget to take “me time”. Take time out also to identify your stressors and how you plan on taking care of them moving forward.

I can’t wait to use the ACEC Caregiver Stress material for trainings with staff and decision makers of potential residents. We all need to be reminded of keeping a balanced life, seeking help when needed and finding out what is stressing us in the first place. I recommend this online training for everyone!

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