Finding Balance: The Joy and Challenge of Caregiving and How Yoga Supports August 16 2026
- rockbriarfarm
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
Care. Mom had a fall last week and broke her hip. Four days in the hospital and she is now in a rehab facility, a place we prayed that she would never be. She has dementia, and with the combination of strange places, pain and anesthesia, she became more confused.
I have always thought my strengths were in organization, fixing, damage control and organization. I am not a natural care giver, I never enjoyed babysitting, and career choices such as being a nurse, doctor, teacher never occurred to me. While I do spend lots of time with mom, I have always been grateful for her helpers, preferring my time to be spent with activities and conversation. My sister, on the other hand, is an excellent care giver. She has no qualms about bodily fluids and is a natural caregiver. Before she was a CNA, she was a special needs teacher, it comes naturally to her, and she is good at it. She had a much-needed vacation planned for this past week which we insisted she go on. I was on duty.
Over the past week I have gained great appreciation for my sister’s work. I have learned to sit quietly and do nothing as someone dozes on and off for hours but is happy to see you when they open your eyes. I have observed caregivers who are incredibly patient and gentle with their charges. I understand the importance of asking questions and persistently advocating for your loved one.
I experienced joy seeing my mom start to regain her spunk as she drank an ice coffee and had bites of a blueberry muffin after days of eating almost nothing. We giggled participating in a seated exercise class with our new friends at rehab. Her blue eyes regained some of their sparkle as we raced her wheelchair up the halls as she admonished me that we would get a speeding ticket.
The first few days were scary, trying and sad, I found myself exhausted and somewhat depressed at the end of each day. I know that I can be a bit selfish with my routine, and I feared I would not be the caregiver I should be. I surprised myself and was rewarded with my mom telling me what good care I have been taking of her. That made me prouder than anything I have accomplished in a long time.
I know her recovery will be challenging and busy, instead of feeling frustrated, however, I feel blessed that I had these few days with her while Jes was away. I will cherish our long somewhat disjointed chats that always came around to a point, the long hours watching her doze, and the quiet peaceful time we shared. I look forward to more chair yoga, bingo and wheelchair races and bringing Mom home when she is ready. My sister has returned, and I know mom is very happy about this. Together, along with my brother when he is able, we will do our best for our mom who dedicated many years to caring for us. And she still does in her own way!
Our Practice and Caregiving
As we take on the responsibility of caring for others it can lead to exhaustion and emotional strain. Our yoga practice, which helps nurture the body and cultivates mental and emotional wellness, is something we should lean into, not forgo! The physical benefits of strength, balance and flexibility will help us be the strongest caregivers we can be, boosting our energy levels and endurance. Our practice can help us manage the stress and anxiety that may accompany caring for others; our breath work and focus on mindfulness will foster self-awareness and help us cope with the challenges of caregiving. Our practice will help improve our focus while promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality.
If we take time for self-care, as we return to the responsibilities of caregiving, we will feel rejuvenated and have a clear mind. When we care for others, we may find our emotions swinging from sadness to frustration. Our practice can help provide a safe space to express and process our feelings while also allowing as a powerful mental release. As we take some time for self-care, something often neglected as we care for others, we will accept that we need to attend to our own needs without guilt. It makes us stronger and better able to care.
Meditating on Caring for Others
“As human beings, we each have a responsibility to care for humanity. Expressing concern for others brings inner strength and deep satisfaction. As social animals, human beings need friendship, but friendship doesn’t come from wealth and power, but from compassion and concern for others.” ~ Dalai Lama
“Caregiving often calls us to lean into love we didn’t know was possible.” ~ Tia Walker
“Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. ~ Eleanor Brown
Nurturing with Food – Vegan “Chicken” Noodle Soup
Whenever I am caring for myself or others, I think of soup. Since I do not eat meat but crave the nurturing memories of noodle soup from when I did, my husband created the following recipe for when I need those “chicken noodle soup cure. So whether you are caring for a vegan, a non vegan or yourself, make some delicious soup and enjoy its curative powers.
See you on the mat,
Namaste,
Julia Anne
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