April 26, 2009

  • I, like many others, am in a position of taking care of an elderly family member. It is well documented that caretakers experience excessive stresss, which can drain their energy reserves for other loved ones who need them too. Whenever, I need to relieve my stored-up mental strain and refuel myself, I begin with simple stretching movements to ignite blood flow and release tension. I also find it helpful to check in with myself, to get a sense of whether I am feeling exhausted, depleted, overwhelmed, under attack, anxious, or spread too thin. If I am, I give myself permission to let it all go--even for only five minutes. That allows me the opportunity to not be responsible for anything or anyone. Just for that moment, I am not in control of every detail, and I take care of myself, so that I can return with more affection and better attention for others.