Being a full-time caregiver often means full-time work and full-time stress. You probably didn't plan on becoming a caregiver; you may have fallen into the role, out of necessity. With no training and no time to plan for the situation, you do your best to provide the greatest care possible for your loved one. However, if you are going to survive your newfound role as a caregiver, you need to read these four tips - for your own sanity.

Manage stress

Being a caregiver is stressful in itself. However, there are times when you may feel unusually overwhelmed. When this happens, it is time for you to take a time-out and assess your feelings. Once you have a good idea of where your emotions are in the scheme of caregiving, you can create a plan.

If you are just having a stressful moment, you can combat it by taking a two-minute breathing time-out. Take two minutes; breathe in slowly through your nose, and exhale slowly through your mouth. While doing this, close your eyes and take notice of any part of your body that feels tense, while consciously relaxing that part of your body. Hold an image of a peaceful place in your mind. For just a few moments, allow yourself to travel to small paradise, which will allow you some reprieve from momentary stress.

However, if you find yourself snapping at your loved one or feeling angry much of the time, you may need to consider that you need more than just a momentary break. Now is the time to identify your negative emotions and learn the best way to handle them. The sooner you realize the issue and take steps to correct it, the sooner you will feel better and handle your situation in a healthier manner for all involved.

Personal time

It is important to take time away from caregiving each day. You may need to enlist the help of trusted friends or family members to provide you some relief. On days when no one is available to help you, sneak in some personal time while your loved one naps or after he or she goes to bed. If necessary, look into hiring someone a few times a week, for respite care.

During the time you have alone, don't try to catch up on other responsibilities that are piling up, such as doing dishes or cleaning the house. This time needs to be about you. Take time to sit outside in the sunshine and absorb some vitamin D. Sit in a quiet corner, and read a few chapters of your favorite novel. Go for a walk. Take a hot bubble bath. Drink a cup of herbal tea. Watch a comedy show. Anything that will allow you to decompress for a half hour or more will provide a great recharge.

Connect with others

When taking care of loved ones on a full-time basis, it is easy to isolate yourself. Your entire world may begin to revolve around one person. Isolation occurs without warning, so it is important that you are vigilant about connecting with other people. Having friends drop by the house is nice for both you and your loved one. It changes your daily routine a bit. You both have the chance to see new faces and visit with different people.

You can also use this as a way of getting help with chores around the house. Consider asking a neighbor to bring dinner over one night. This gives you the opportunity to visit with more people, while marking a task off your to-do list; and your neighbor will feel good about helping out.

Keep family members in the loop as well. Ask each of them to stop by for a visit on different days and at different times. Have them help with a chore or two as well while they are visiting. If each person does one thing, it may not be much to him or her, but it will sure help lighten your load.

Consider joining a caregiver support group. Some groups allow you to connect with people one-on-one, while others connect online. Joining a local group will get you out of the house and allow you to spend time with others who understand what trials you are facing and may have advice for you. However, joining an online support group gives you the freedom to hop online when you have a free moment or when you need more immediate support.

Health check

Caregivers often get so involved in taking care of their loved ones that they neglect their own health care. It is important for you to remember that if you are not at your healthiest, you will not be able to give your loved one the best possible care, which he or she deserves.

While it is always important to have regular medical and dental check-ups, it is even more important to go in when you are under increased stress. Your body may feel some effects of additional stress; however, you may not be consciously aware of those changes. For example, you may have high blood pressure, but you have not felt or paid attention to the symptoms. A routine exam may bring these issues to light, so you can begin treatment to keep these stress-related issues under control.

Being a caregiver is one of the hardest jobs you will ever have, but it is also one of the most rewarding. Each day, take some time to do something that you enjoy. Make connections with people. Always keep your scheduled doctor appointments and take care of your health. Take care of yourself first and foremost — always keep in mind that if you are not at the top of your game, you will not be able to give the best care to your loved one.

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Check the person's profile photo

U.S. News suggests that it's a good idea to check the authenticity of profile photos, even before you respond to ads. Most people are honest, and most photos are legitimate, but a small minority of insecure or dishonest users attempt to deceive others by stealing a photo from some random online site and posting it as their own. Here's how to check and see if a profile image has ever appeared anywhere else online: Go to Google Image Search and click on the little camera icon in the text entry field. Enter the URL address of the profile picture into the search box and click "Search by image." Google will return a listing of every site where that image appears. Click on the search results to check what name is connected with that image. If the person has stolen an image, that's an instant dealbreaker and you can obviously cross them off your list and move on.

Be cautious about sharing contact information

According to Huffington Post's "Women & Co." column, your first in-person meeting is the right time to share your real contact information. Realistically, most people will want to receive some type of contact information before gaining enough trust to meet in person. The best course is to be cautious but sensible: It's helpful to trade phone numbers before meeting, but you can create a new phone number using Google Voice that forwards to your cell phone. Be sure you don't include traceable information in your profile, and postpone the disclosure of your physical address until you've actually spent some time face-to-face.

Don't respond to conversations about money

ABC News warns that scammers occupy a share of social media, and dating sites provide easy pickings for clever rip-off artists. Be wary of potential dates that claim to be recently widowed or state the person is in a financial jam and requires your assistance.

Be safe. Order a background check

Match.com reminds users that its site, like other matchmaking sites, does not perform background checks, and they suggest that you pursue this option through a private provider. Doing a background check is the best way to find out if a person is being honest about their identity and employment, and to see if the person has a criminal history. Top Ten Reviews is a quick place to find the top-rated background check companies complete with a listing of services and pricing for each one.

Entering the online dating world involves both faith and shrewdness right from the start. It's important to "trust, but verify." Remember that most people are kind-hearted and honest but always protect yourself against the very few who aren't. Take your time getting to know your potential mate and enjoy the dating adventure.

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1. Set firm boundaries

One of the major ways workaholic habits form is by not setting clear boundaries with an employer - even if that employer is you. Come up with a set work schedule and stick to it. Have a one-on-one with your boss explaining that you need to set this boundary. The goal here is to not completely avoid having to work overtime, but rather to make working extra hours the exception, not the rule.

2. Disconnect

Yes, it is true. We can rely too much on our electronic devices, apps and websites. When you're not working, disconnect from the Internet. Turn off your phone so social media, email and other highly addictive apps do not distract you. Embrace this idea that it's actually OK for you to be completely unreachable sometimes. Obviously, you'll want to approach this responsibly. Be sure to let your managers and employers know you'll be unreachable for specific chunks of time.

3. Spend time outdoors

Get outside. Go for a hike. Take a vacation that will allow you to disconnect. Have a picnic with your family in the park. The idea is to get out of your normal environment and get some fresh air. Make this a big part of your regular rhythm. This is a great way to reduce stress, exercise and spend quality time with loved ones or yourself.

4. Eat healthier

One of biggest downfalls of workaholism is not having enough time for self-care. The first step toward fixing this issue is to eat healthy foods. When you're constantly on the go, your automatic go-to will often be to eat out or grab some fast food. This can be detrimental to your health if this becomes a habit. Carve out some time that includes making a home cooked meal for yourself and your family full of fresh veggies, grains and other whole foods. Also, try to avoid eating while you're working. Take the time to eat food slowly. Your body will thank you.

5. Pay attention to your body

Your own body is the best indicator of how much your work addiction is taking a toll on your life. If you start to feel exhausted, cranky or apathetic, take the necessary steps to slow down. For some, this may be as simple as cutting back hours at work. For others, this isn't possible due to the demanding nature of their jobs. Take the time to assess your work situation. If you are too involved with work to pay attention to your body, try wearing a heart rate monitor watch. This will give you clues to how much stress you are dealing with. Never ignore your body when it is giving off warning signals. This can quickly lead to burnout.

Workaholism is not a healthy approach to being a productive member of society. If you do not get adequate rest and are not available to cultivate relationships outside of work, it will quickly make you unhealthy and unhappy. Adequate self-care is essential to staying on top of your game in whatever career you are pursuing.

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