Lifestyle Tips for Caregivers  View PDF version (Adobe® PDF)

Providing care for a loved one with cancer can be very demanding, so it’s vital that you pay attention to your own needs while caring for others. It’s common for caregivers to experience anger, guilt, resentment, anxiety and/or depression. Seeking support for yourself can be the best thing you can do during this difficult time. Lifestyle tips:

• Take time off for yourself. Read a book, talk to friends, take a walk—do whatever makes you feel good.

• Set limits on what can be reasonably expected of you. You can’t do it all and you shouldn’t be expected to. Ask for help if you need it.

• Talk about your fears and frustrations with someone. Sharing with others will help ease your emotional burden.

• Find a release–exercise, keep a journal, take up a hobby, etc. Do something that allows you to expend your energy in a productive way. Sitting and worrying is not productive.

• Use the resources available to you—if people offer to help, take them up on the offer.

• Get plenty of rest and eat well to keep yourself healthy

• Patient Education Brochure (Adobe® PDF)

• Read an excerpt from my Healing Companion

• Download Activity Sheets
  from Beverly Kirkhart's book