Look for the Positive. It can be hard find- ing positive moments when you’rebusy caregiving. It can also be hard to adjust to your role as a caregiver. Caregivers say that looking for the good things in life helps them feel better. Once a day, think about something that you find rewarding about caregiving, such as gratitude you’ve received, or extra support from ahealth care provider. You might also take a moment to feel good about any- thing else from the day that is positive— a nice sunset, a hug, or something funny that you heard or read.


Let Yourself Laugh. It’s okay to laugh, even when your loved one is in treat- ment. In fact, it’s healthy. Laughter re- leases tension and makes you feel better. You can read humor columns, watch comedy shows, or talk with upbeat friends. Or just remember funny things that have happened to you in the past. Keeping your sense of humor in trying times is a good coping skill.


Write in a Journal. Research shows that writing or journaling can help relieve negative thoughts and feelings. And it may actually help improve your own health. You can write about any topic. You might write about your most stress- ful experiences. Or you may want to express your deepest thoughts and feel- ings. You can also write about things that make you feel good, such as a pretty day or a kind coworker or friend. Another technique people use is to write down whatever comes to mind. It doesn’t


have to make sense or have correct gram- mar. It just helps to get all the “jumble” out of your mind and onto the paper.


Be Thankful. You may feel thankful that you can be there for your loved one. You may be glad for a chance to do some- thing positive and give to another person in a way you never knew you could. Some caregivers feel that they’ve been given the chance to build or strengthen a relationship. This doesn’t mean that caregiving is easy. But finding meaning in caregiving can make iteasier to man- age.


Do Your Usual Activities. If you can, try to keep doing some of your regular ac- tivities. Studies show that not doing those activities increases the stress you feel. Keep it simple and stick with things you do well. Be willing to change your rou- tines. You may have to do things at a different time of day or for less time than you do normally.


Learn More About Cancer. Sometimes, understanding your loved one’s medical situation can make you feel more confi- dentand in control. For example, you may want to know more about his stage of cancer. It may help you to know what to expect during treatment, such as the tests and procedures that will be done, as well as the side effects that will result.


Caring for Your Body You may find yourself so busy and


• Try to remember to take your medi- cines as prescribed. Ask your doctor to


Robinhood Integrative Health Bruce Lantelme, MD


Weston “Wiggy” Saunders, MD Bose Ravenel, MD


Elizabeth Bozeman, MD Haley Neal, MD


Maureen Lamont, ANP-C • Kelly Carpenter, NP-C • Jenny Addison FNP-C 336.768.3335


• Bioidenti cal Hormone Replacement Therapy • Adrenal & Thyroid problems • Breast Health • Perimenopause / Menopause


• Low Testosterone • Nutriti onal Medicine • Epigeneti cs • Consultati ve Pediatrics


www.RobinhoodIntegrativeHealth.com MAY 2017


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concerned about your loved one that you dont pay attention to your own physical health. But it’s very important that you take care of your health. Taking care of yourself will give you strength to help others. New stresses and daily demands often add to any health problems caregivers already have. And if you are sick or have an injury that requires you to be careful, it’s even more important that you take care of your- self. Here are some changes caregivers often have:


• Fatigue (feeling tired) • Weaker immune system (poor ability to fight off illness • Sleep problems • Slower healing of wounds • Higher blood pressure • Changes in appetite or weight • Headaches • Anxiety, depression, or other mood changes


Taking Care of Yourself These ideas for taking care of yourself


may sound easy. But they’re a challenge for most caregivers. You’ll need to pay at- tention to how you’re feeling, in both body and mind. Even though you may be putting someone else’s needs first, its important to:


• Keep up with your own checkups, screenings, and other medical needs.


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