I have mentioned this statistic before, more than 60% of spouses caring for their partner with a chronic illness die earlier than their non-caregiving peers. The constant stress we face is a huge contributor to our higher mortality rate. I am on duty with my husband 24 hours a day and, other than the hours when we are both sleeping, I am checking to make sure he is okay. I even sometimes wake in the middle of the night and listen for his breathing. This continual state of alert takes a toll on my health.

My stress reduction plan includes exercise, deep breathing, taking breaks to read a good book and journaling. Weekly yoga classes provide an opportunity for meditation, neighborhood walks are great for clearing my head. Reading alongside my husband allows for a mental escape and gives us something to talk about. In those moments when I feel like I’m about to explode, nothing calms me faster than to step back and take a couple of deep breaths.

I often joke with fellow CarePartners about the value of a good glass of wine on a long and difficult day. Or even on a normal day, come to think of it. Those single glasses of wine are acceptable as long as they are only one piece of my stress relief program. Chocolate and other sweets are also options for dealing with the daily pressures. Again, not a problem when eaten in moderation. I just need to remember that sticking with my healthier choices like exercise and journaling keeps me present in the moment, which is always better for my husband and for me.

For more on the stress we all face as CarePartners, visit “Caregiver Health” on the Family Caregiver Alliance website. To learn more alleviating some of that, visit “Caregiver Self-Care: Caring for You” on that same website.