As people age, they often need help dealing with a myriad of health issues. From getting dressed to preparing meals, almost every part of the day can require some extra assistance. Often, family caregivers step up to provide this essential care. Out of affection for their parents, grandparents, or other loved ones, they devote their time and energy to providing care.

All this work can take an emotional and physical toll. Caregivers often have families of their own to take care of as well as professional responsibilities. They often struggle to find the time necessary to provide the care their elderly relatives deserve. Meanwhile, they have to deal with the emotional pain of watching a loved one lose their normal level of functioning. The entire situation can prove incredibly stressful.

Lots of caregivers of seniors try to help their elderly loved ones right in their own home. While it can be comforting to have the person nearby all the time, it also makes it even harder to cope. caregivers for seniors becomes a full time job with few opportunities for taking a mental and physical break. Sometimes, the workload can seem too much to handle.

If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to recognize that you’re far from the only person facing these challenges. Being a caregiver is hard, and it’s even harder when the ailing senior is someone you love dearly. Luckily, those who have gone before you have reported on their experiences and can offer advice. You can use their wisdom to find peace of mind and improve your own situation. Here are ten tips for family caregivers to consider.

Nobody can stay turned on all the time. If you’re constantly rushing from one obligation to the next, mental and physical burnout is the only possible outcome. You owe it to yourself to take a break and relax. Whether this involves a quick walk around the block or a weekend getaway, the important thing is that you step away completely from the source of your stress. You’re not a bad person for taking some time off. In fact, the brief respite will probably make you a better caregiver in the long run.