Laughter is great medicine. Since both my parents had passed within the year, my two cousins [who were also my parents God-daughters] would call me just to chat. We would start laughing over the craziest things, mainly issues taking care of our elderly parents [their parents had passed a few years ago]... what we didn't find comical at the time, now we can spin it around and see the humor.

As for haircuts, those always stressed me out. I had a fear of setting an appointment only to cancel it due to an issue with my parents. Same with setting up my own doctor appointments... cancelled so many of them :(
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So true about the haircut. Every time I get a haircut, I automatically totally relax. On my last cut, I had a new salonist. I told her that haircuts relaxes me and I'm going to close my eyes and enjoy it.
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Very helpful. The positive word advice really helps.
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Nobody mentioned pets, but for me, my dogs have saved my life through ten years of hell. No matter how bad a day it is, the dogs are there to cheer me up, comfort me, and love me. Taking care of them is a joy and a privilege. They are also a blessing when visiting the nursing home; no matter how bad the situation may be, they defuse the stress and anxiety of everybody involved!
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Excellent article. However, it simply does not address the issue of stress-related relationships other than caregiving. What about the inter-familial relationships that are prevalent when family members get together? These events may trigger horrible past experiences and may cause outbursts at the dining room table.
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Helpful post on how to reduce stress. Personally, I choose meditation to manage mys stress problem. Stress can aggravate a multitude of medical disorders. But stress could be reduced with a relaxation technique called Transcendental Meditation. Therefore, it can also help reduce healthcare bills,
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I like to know where the world to u get the time & energy to even do all that and especially 'sex!' What is that? Ha!
Congrats on those who can make the time for #1 n it is a destressor well at least when i remember moons ago.

CSullivan88, you sound way so young to be dealing with this stuff n it seems like it has already taking a toll on you emotionally. You do not have to take care of grandmother. Does she have Alzheimer's Disease?
What type of help does she need assistance with for her? Have y'all check with alz.org in your local area that is she has AD? The family needs to get together n think of another solution for getting her help. You should not do this alone n you still have your whole life. Shoot, your life has just began n you should live it. Life will get better n right now u need to breathe for you r not in this alone for we all have similair issues. Vent here if u must and hang in their. Have talked to the other family members what they suggest to do for your granmother or at least call a social worker to help out. Their r a lot of people here that have been through this caregiving ordeal n they have tons of advice that can help like it helped me. Today is not a great day for me with the mnl so I am going outside to cut the grass to relieve some stressssssssssssssss.. Hang in their for it is not as worse as life may seem for it has to get better. ; )
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May I also suggest: aroma therapy,glass of wine with favorite music,reading, taking a walk, cooking for fun,(like cupcakes). Take time 4 your self each day & week so you can keep a healthy balance to care give for the ones you love. its easy to get stressed & frustrated, but you have to take a step back, and brethe!! Relaxation and enjoying things you love must go on so you can be the best you for your self and family.KB
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I am 23 and no one else in my family is willing to try caring for my grandmother (69). She has already either made them cast her out or left because she isn't willing to come to terms with her situation. I find it hard in my life right now to do #1. I cry a lot and I am not sure with everything else I have going on in my life that I will ever laugh again.
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I'm single. Since it's against my convictions to have sex outside of marriage, it's the gym and treadmill for me! smile
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thank you Moonjac
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Jaye,

My husband is also diabetic but also found it may be caused by low testosterone (from the commercials "low T"). For a while it also became very stressful but once he was examined by an endocrinologist and has begun treatments things are so much better for both of us.
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Years ago I would have said yes, to naheaton I agree however now it (sex ) is a part of the stress... my husband is diabetic
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GREAT suggestions .... put one into practice every day between now and Christmas and you will enjoy Christmas much more! Then keep at it....it takes 7 times of doing something to create a "habit". Make it a habit to take care of your self!
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I agree and would make it #1!!!!!!!!! :)
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I would add one more way to lower stress... #7 Sex. It always works for me. ha.
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This website helps me through everyday! I am caring for my 85yr old mother (alzheimers) and my 92yr old dad (recent falls)
This has been my source of information, and makes me feel better when I am so discouraged with my siblings lack of support. I get my support here, knowing that I am not alone.
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