Caregiving can affect the health and well-being of the caregiver(s). The signs of caregiver stress and burnout include:
1) Feeling burdened or worrying all the time.
2) Feeling tired often.
3) Sleeping too much or not enough.
4) Gaining or losing weight.
5) Becoming easily irked or angry.
6) Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy.
7) Feeling sad.
8) Having frequent headaches or other pains or health problems.
9) Misusing alcohol or drugs, including prescription medicines.
10) Missing your own medical appointments.
Your body can combat stress through a counter-stress system called the "relaxation response," regulated by the parasympathetic nervous system. This system is activated through mind-body practices. See the diagram above for tools that can help you navigate the emotional and physical demands of caregiving.
Source: mayoclinic.org and health.harvard.edu
