Handling Stress

"new research shows humans can train their brains to build and strengthen different connections that don't reinforce the fear circuit.  Over time, if people use this new pathway enough, it can become the new response to stress." Dr. Steven Southwick, Yale

Good news for those of us living with the stress of caregiving.  It was once thought that people's ability to be resilient, to be able to handle stress, was innate.  This new research says it is not.  It can be learned and cultivated.  So, how do we cultivate it?  Researchers studied Tibetan monks to come up with some of the answer, and Navy SEALs for another.  Here are  two of the tips on how to build resilience:  the ability to handle stress:  1  Develop a core of set beliefs from which you cannot be shaken.  2.  Try to find meaning in the stressful or traumatic event.

What is your belief about life?  About caregiving?  Choosing something, such as living with dementia graciously, can give you a baseline from which you cannot be shaken.  What is your baseline?  Then, find meaning in the event.  I know that caregiving has made me a stronger, more compassionate person.  What is it doing for you?