Success Over Stress

Whew. The final draft of my book is at the publisher. I want to take a moment to relish this milestone, and there are so many exciting things on the horizon. I’m packing up to move into a home that will fit my family, I’m meeting the new group that started in my signature course (Marama at Home PLUS) and my daughter is heading back to school. 

This time of year is great for new beginnings, but those new beginnings often combine with changes that  bring added stress.

I recently came across this very honest article about this experience – My Horrific Plunge into Sandwich Caregiving. The author describes her dive into taking care of her mother, her son, and the family all while working. She’s not alone. A 2022 study cited that 2.5 million U.S. individuals are caring for a parent over 65 while also caring for a child under 18.

The generation of sandwich caregivers are under extreme stress in many ways. It is a time in life where it is critical for caregivers to take care of their own health, so they can support those that depend on them. But how?

The American Psychological Association offers these tips:

1. Identify your stressors.
2. Recognize how you deal with stress: Are you using unhealthy behaviors to cope? Prioritize and delegate responsibilities. 
3. Find healthy ways to manage stress: Focus on changing only one behavior at a time.
4. Take care of yourself: No matter how hectic life gets, you need to take care of yourself — which includes making time for yourself.
5. Ask for professional support.

I want to help. My mission is to help everyone affected by cognitive decline. I’m holding a live webinar on Tuesday, August 22 to discuss findings of my study and the assisted living options available to help caregivers. Register here. The goal of our living facilities is for residents to improve significantly and possibly return to independent living.

You’re not alone. You are a part of this community working towards a world without dementia.

Warmly, 
Dr. Heather Sandison

P.S. One way to take care of your health and your family’s during hectic times is with IV Therapy. Watch this video to learn more about the benefits of IV Therapy. If you are near Encinitas, schedule an appointment for IV Therapy at my Solcere clinic.

P.P.S. Another path for support is to participate in the new clinical trial held by Dr. Dale Bredesen to evaluate the effects of a novel precision medicine and lifestyle intervention treatment approach for memory loss reversal in early dementia and mild cognitive impairment. If you or someone you care for is interested in participating, click here to learn more.  https://www.dementiareversaltrial.com/