Do we as caregivers think we must punish ourselves by living under shadow of guilt and misery? Do we feel our loved one is suffering so we must also? I hope not. The best thing we can do for our loved one's and ourselves is to recognize that feelings of guilt are irrational. We must take care of ourselves by dismissing those feelings. Feelings of guilt lead to depression. Depression can lead to ill health and despair. If you as caregiver becomes "down" than who will care for your loved one?

Caring for yourself requires taking breaks whenever they present themselves. Never turn down an offer for help. Try to exercise, even if it means taking a walk around block. Journal your feelings. Laugh with someone, even if it's yourself or one you're caring for. Talk with friends, family, clergy or join a support group. Drink a coke. Watch your favorite movie. Dance. Please, take care of yourself. The person you are caring for needs you. They continue to love you, even if they can't express it. Love goes beyond any disease, ailment or life's disappointments.

So, I ask question again, why do we feel guilt? Because, it's a bad habit we must "kick." "Let go" of those guilt feelings and start living. When feelings of guilt start creeping up on you again (and believe me, they will), tell yourself "I'm doing best I can and my best is enough." "My verdict is; not guilty, I have nothing to feel guilty for."

Say: Good-bye to GUILT (Give Undeserved Illusions Little Thought) Hello to Life.

#2. If weather or darkness discourage an outdoors walk, and no shopping center is handy, I ride my Schwinn[tm] air-dyne bicycle which pits both my arms and legs against resistance from a paddle wheel. This is only expensive exercise equipment I own, and can be found used on web. Five minutes with meter above half scale is a workout. Or I could use a lower challenge but for longer time.

If I have time, and need to burn off calories or tension, I have a whole range of low cost choices, from mild office stretches to aggressive army calisthenics. For details, see my "Easy Exercise All Ages".

Just a few of conditions resisted by exercise are: angina, arthritis, breast cancer, colon cancer, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, depression, gallstone disease, heart attack, high blood cholesterol, high blood triglyceride, hypertension, lessened cognitive function (e.g., Alzheimer's disease), low blood HDL, lower quality of life, obesity, osteoporosis, pancreatic cancer, peripheral vascular disease, physical frailty, premature mortality, prostate cancer, sleep apnea, stiff joints, stroke, type 2 diabetes, spinal injury, weak bones, and more.

All without drugs. What a pleasant surprise!