More than 44 million Americans provide care for family members and friends with chronic illness or conditions that require day to day assistance.In general, caregivers do this out of real compassion and love, or a sense of duty for the person they are caring for.

Often they find themselves thrown into roles that are unfamiliar and sometimes scary; like managing through the medical and insurance system to gain the best possible care for their loved one or understanding the options in the middle of a medical emergency. Stress levels can go through the roof, and over time stress wreaks havoc on the caregiver as well as their loved one.

If the caregiver also has a family, a job, and other responsibilities and caring for their loved one is added to their current roles. While it is a labor of love, it can be exhausting over time, and things start to fall through the cracks, including caring for their own health.

When Life Hits the Fan shares the experiences of a number of caregivers and activities that they can do to take care of themselves, body and soul. The practices in the book come from the author’s training in mindfulness, emotional intelligence and positive psychology as well as her own caregiving journey.

With a practical approach to stress reduction and easy to follow exercises, When Life Hits the Fan helps us understand what’s going on inside our minds and our bodies and ways to create resilience and care for ourselves.

Reviews for When Life Hits the Fan

“When your world gets turned upside down to care for a sick loved one, “When Life Hits the Fan” is an essential guide to keep you grounded. Janet has created a highly valuable blend of real-life caregiver stories, science-based background, and easy-to-implement exercises. Every chapter gives you a greater understanding of what’s happening inside of you – physically, mentally, and emotionally – as well as practices to keep yourself centered and calm. To learn specific ways you can help yourself during trying times like these helps you stay healthy… and sane. Do yourself a favor, or someone you know who needs support, and get this book.”–Christine Clifton, Author of “You don’t have to shout to Stand Out”

“When you are facing a wrenching or otherwise difficult situation, especially if it involves caring for others, read Janet Fouts’ new book When Life Hits the Fan. Discover steps to take to become more grounded and caring – towards others and yourself. Her insights are based on her research, first-hand experience and actions she’s taken toward that end.” –Kare Anderson Author, “Mutuality Matters: How You Can Create More Opportunity, Adventure, & Friendship With Others”

In a world where so many people think they are the only ones going through difficult times, it is important to find the work of Janet Fouts in helping us realize that you are never alone. Every person goes through their own hell and heaven while we are here. And as Janet shares with us, community matters as we fall into challenging times. Through her personal story and those of others, she helps others navigate through your own path, knowing that every person has their own story and there are some very difficult situations that most people don’t like to talk about. To know you are not alone, experience this book and take what you need since guidance of how to take care of your body, mind and spirit in challenging times is key. –Ayelet Baron, “Author of  Our Journey to Corporate Sanity: Transformational Stories from the Frontiers of 21st Century Leadership”

Want to know more about my story as a caregiver and learn some of the mindfulness-based emotional intelligence skills to help you on your own caregiving journey?

When Life Hits the Fan is available in Audiobook, Kindle or Print.