• Take time for yourself and your own needs. Watch for signs of stress, such as impatience, loss of appetite or difficulty with sleep, concentration or memory. 
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• Pay attention to changes in your mood, a loss of interest in usual activities, or an inability to accomplish usual tasks.
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•  Eat a well-balanced diet. Drink plenty of water every day. 
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• Exercise by taking short walks daily or at least three times a week. 
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• Listen to guided relaxation recordings or relaxing music. 
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• Schedule short rest periods between activities. Make it a priority to get a good night's sleep. 
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• Set limits for what you can do. Don't overload your daily to-do list. Be realistic.
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•  Find a few hours several times a week for activities that you find meaningful and enjoyable.
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•  Let family members and friends help with household chores, meal preparation, childcare, and shopping. 
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• Keep the lines of communication open among your loved one, you, your family and friends, and the health care team. 
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• Share your feelings with family members or other caregivers, or join a support group. 
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• Give yourself credit: The care you give does make a difference. 

If you are a caregiver, remember you are not alone: you are one of the over 53 million nationwide, providing the most important service to another human being that you can.