How to find joy while caregiving through the holidays

The University of Cincinnati's Robert Neel was featured in an AARP article discussing the biology of holiday stress for caregivers and ways to manage these intense emotions.

Neel, MD, professor in the Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine in UC's College of Medicine and director of the ALS Multidisciplinary Clinic at the University of Cincinnati Gardner Neuroscience Institute, said caregivers live in a near-constant state of vigilance that leads to stress hormones running high. These stress levels typically increase even more over the holidays.

“Norepinephrine heightens alertness and raises blood pressure and heart rate, while cortisol keeps the body pushing through fatigue," Neel told AARP. "When these hormones remain chronically high, they take a physical toll: disrupted sleep, poor appetite, higher blood pressure and weight gain, especially around the abdomen.”​

However, the holidays can also boost levels of "feel-good" chemicals like dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin, associated with connection, comfort and reward.

“The key is to find ways to boost the ‘feel-good’ chemicals and trigger those moments of joy,” Neel said. “A hug from your spouse, children, and especially a young one, can instantly lift your spirits. Even spending time with a pet helps.”​

Read the AARP article.

Featured photo at top of a caregiver with an elderly man. Photo/Photodjo/iStock Photo.