Government Reports Reducing Stress Is Among American’s Top New Year’s Resolution

Dec. 22, 2009 - PRLog -- GOVERNMENT REPORTS REDUCING STRESS IS AMONG AMERICAN’S TOP NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION

To Help Caregivers’ Resolve, National Expert Cindy Laverty Offers Strategies for Reducing Caregiver Stress Free Guide

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – According to the US government’s list of the most common New Year’s resolutions, reducing stress is among American’s perennial favorite, Yet, despite good intentions, a mere 12 percent of Americans actually achieve their resolve. For the nation’s 52 million caregivers, stress too often becomes a debilitating pressure that, if left untreated, can lead to burnout and an inability to carry out their responsibilities. To help caregivers manage their stress reducing resolution for 2010, national caregiver expert and radio personality Cindy Laverty is offering today’s caregivers a free guide on Strategies for Reducing Caregiver Stress.

“Caregiving is an overwhelming challenge that if not managed well can drive a person to distraction, even destruction,” says Laverty, host of The Cindy Laverty Show, the nation’s only commercial radio show dedicated to caring for the caregiver. “I believe New Year’s is an opportunity to reorganize our lives. However, to succeed, one must have a plan and a system that works. That’s why I created this guide.”

Laverty advises:

1) ORGANIZE. Finances and appointments can be managed with minimal stress, if organized well. Write everything down, and try to asses early on everything that will be required of you in the coming year. You can’t anticipate everything, but anticipating what you can will reduce stress and help you cope with unforeseen challenges.

2) SET BOUNDARIES. It is vitally important that you not only know what you cannot do, but communicate it clearly. Have a conversation at the beginning of the year with everyone involved in your caregiving relationship – acknowledge that you cannot be responsible of everything and outline what will not be your responsibility. Setting boundaries is extremely challenging for most, but it will literally save your sanity. You cannot be everything to everyone. You will lose yourself in the process and then you will be no good to anyone.

3) SEEK HELP. If you are close to caregiver burnout, it is likely you need to set up a more effective support system. Seek out friends, family and organizations that can take some of your responsibility away when necessary. If you try to accomplish everything that must be done yourself you will fail and will likely do harm to yourself in the process

4) TAKE A BREAK. You need time for introspection. The only way you can guarantee that this happens is if you schedule it. This is not optional. If you need to sleep – sleep. If you need to run or workout, do that. If you need a walk among nature, get outside. If you need a fun, social afternoon or evening – treat yourself. I also encourage you to tap into your own spirituality, whatever that means to you. It will help immensely. Do not ignore this step. For your health and sanity, and that of your family, you must follow this step.

5) LIVE THE CHANGE. What does this mean? You must be the change that you desire. No more being a victim (except for brief periods). Resolve to stop blaming your stress on life’s difficulties. It’s okay to feel sorry for yourself for brief periods of time, but this attitude will not serve the greater good. When you feel this way, embrace it and move forward. Never stuff your feelings. If you actually practice what you have set out to accomplish, you will reap the rewards that the compassionate act of caregiving provides. However, you must find ways to escape the stressfulness of this new life stage. If you falter, do not beat yourself up. Figure out what needs to be added to your plan and begin again. Each day is a gift. Try to live your life in gratitude instead of anger. Your soul will thank you.

Remember that stress builds on itself. “Do not give stress the chance to get a foothold in your life,” says Laverty. “Manage your stress every day with planning and care, and your New Year will be much happier,” says Laverty.

To obtain a complimentary copy of Cindy’s Strategies for Reducing Caregiver Stress, email Laverty at cindy@thecindylavertyshow.com.

About Cindy Laverty
While caring for her ill and aging former father-in-law for several years, Cindy Laverty discovered that compassionate caregiving was her true calling and formed The Care Company, a southern California-based home care provider.

Today, as a leading spokesperson for the industry, Ms. Laverty has expanded her commitment to helping caregivers help others, through The Cindy Laverty Show on KZSB AM-1290 in Santa Barbara, an entertaining, educational and insightful advice driven national radio show dedicated to caring for the caregiver. Her warm, yet practical approach to the process of caregiving provides listeners with first step knowledge and resources they can use to manage their lives and those they care for more peacefully.

To learn more or to schedule an interview with Cindy Laverty, contact Renee Cooper at Christie Communications: (805) 962-1347 or rcooper@christiecomm.com.