For most people the responsibility of caring for a loved one is a challenge. It affects every part of your life – especially if your loved one is elderly or disabled, and his or her needs increase as time goes on. It’s difficult to balance your life between care-giving, family needs and ministry demands. Caring for another person takes a lot of time, effort and work if you are helping with daily tasks such as shopping, cooking/cleaning, bathing/dressing and paying bills. Often caregivers put their own needs aside, and then feel angry, anxious, isolated or sad. Care-giving can take a toll on your physical and emotional health. Caregivers are vulnerable to stress and burnout. Is Care-giving making you too stressed?

Still Waters Restoration & Resource Ministries offers the following information to Ministry Leaders:

Care-giving may be putting too much “stress” on you if you are….

• Sleeping too much or too little •Feeling tired or without energy most of the time
• Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed, such as going out with friends, walking/reading
• Having frequent headaches or other physical problems
• Being easily irritated, angry or sad 

Tips to manage “stress” as a Care-giver:

• Take time for yourself and don’t be afraid to accept help when it’s offered and ask for help when it’s needed. 
• Stay in touch with friends and family. Social activities can help you feel connected and may help reduce stress. 
• Take one day at a time. 
• Prioritize, make lists and establish a daily routine. 
• Try to get enough sleep and eat a healthy diet. 
• Reach out for additional support – if you feel overwhelmed by Care-giving stress you should consider talking to a Still Waters support staff.

Still Waters Restoration & Resource Ministries is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting health and wellness among Christian Ministers and their families.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to be used in place of professional consultation/treatment for individual health needs.