Mindfulness and Meditation for Caregivers

It would seem impossible to add one more thing to the caregiver’s to-do list. But, adding meditation or a mindfulness practice may be the very thing that makes that too long list a little more manageable.

No, doing meditation or yoga or Qigong or another mindful practice is not a remedy to the

stress and business of caregiving, but is absolutely a positive aid and help.

Now documented in many years longitudinal research, it’s been shown that caregivers—of people with serious illness, dementia or a child with a developmental delay—cope better, report more ease, and have fewer physical symptoms of their own when they are engaged in a mindfulness practice.

And mindful meditation, a breathing practice or yoga can become more than just a way to cope with the stress; it’s also a way to fully --and positively--embrace one’s life as caregiver.  

Trying to attend a weekly class may be a bit over the top, but there are many online resources, and podcasts that give basic instruction in Pranayama (Yoga breathing), restorative yoga, mindful awareness, and meditation. And if you are part of a caregiver support group, ask if some meditation or yoga instruction can be added to the meeting once a month.