Yoga For Your Self Care

By Suzanne Holman • June 7th, 2010

Suzanne - Triangle Pose

Having someone in your family with Alzheimer’s Disease can be a drain on everyone involved. Whether you are directly involved with care of the patient or are managing care for them in some kind of a care facility, it takes its toll mentally, emotionally and physically. Your self care is just as important as their care.

For oh so many years, I have found yoga a way to connect with my body, stretch out the kinks, and breathe deeply. Many of the poses are really helpful to get more blood to your brain – great for your brain health.

So much of the time our breathing is so shallow that we are not even clearing out the stale air in our lungs. If you ever start exercising or doing some deep breathing, you may find that you will yawn.

This is not about your being tired, but about your lungs being activated. I learned when I had pneumonia years ago that this was the case.

And when I had my first yawn (a breath and a half ) as the pulmonologist called it, I knew my lungs were recovering.

Most of my yoga is done in a class inside 24 Hr Fitness, but it is really fun to do yoga with your bare feet in the grass!

I’ve enjoyed having my grandchildren join in with me when I do downward facing dog or tree pose!

Even if you just do deep breathing, you’ll find that you are more centered and able to deal with difficult situations.

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