Pets
I have a cat named Chardonnay (Char for short) and I cannot believe how much comfort she has brought me. In fact, she is curled up on my desk now as I work -- one paw on the keyboard. (She has her own drawer in my desk, but prefers to be closer to the action.) I talk to her constantly and would recommend that caregivers consider a pet if at all possible. If I could, I'd also have a dog and take it to see Dad -- maybe some time!

Art
Any kind of art can give you the mental and emotional space to relax, feel soothed, feel like you're doing something for yourself or give you a chance to be distracted. If you haven't done any art since you finger-painted as a kid, it's not too late to start!

We got a flyer from a psychology professor who teaches art. Fall courses include: Drawing and Painting for Terrified Beginners and the Artistically Evolving; Cartooning Your Life and Dreams: From Sketch Diaries to Cartoon Strips. In both courses, you get tips to help you make art an everyday meditation and pleasure, learn to appreciate your own talents and learn how to use materials safely. For information, call Dianne Acey at 416.482.9878. Classes are offered weekly at Yonge and Eglinton in Toronto.

Physical Activity
When I became too tired, I started to find excuses not to run or work out -- very unlike me. And I felt terrible. I knew I should find the time, but ignored the need. I know now if I had tried harder to fight off fatigue I would have been better able to handle my caregiver obligations. BUT I WAS TOO TIRED.

Now I work harder at finding the time and energy for physical activity -- running, swimming, walking -- because I just feel better.