Why is Good Mental/Emotional Health Good for Caregivers?

By Lisa Story, Founder and Executive Director, Hope Grows

Good emotional and mental health has been well documented over the years as being vital to our overall health. A healthy mind and emotional balance help to regulate our thoughts and feelings, which results in healthy behaviors. When we identify our emotions, we can cope more effectively and become better able to adapt to the changes that occur throughout the caregiving journey.

Connecting to our emotions is not only good, but vital, in maintaining a healthy perspective while providing care. If body and soul are not working well, the mind suffers. If the mind and soul are not working well, the body suffers, and so on.

Caregivers are exhausted from the overwhelming, strenuous work they do on a daily basis. Because of the endless hours of caring for a loved one, self-care can become depleted. At this point, caregivers can feel alone, forgotten, and stressed.

Respite and self-care can alleviate some of the stresses that occur when caregiving. Self-care is the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health, particularly during periods of stress, remembering that we deserve a moment to remember that we are important, too.

By connecting to the natural world, becoming mindful about something in nature, we can reduce stress. Nature becomes a place of connection where nothing is being asked of us. During that connection, we are able to let go of control and just be in the moment of something as spectacular as a blue sky, a tree, a bird in flight, and/or yes, even the change of seasons and temperatures.

Taking a walk outside, taking in some deep breaths, and spending time in nature is good for us.

For additional information on caregiver support, contact Hope Grows at (412) 369-4673, info@hopegrows.net, or visit the website at www.hopegrows.net.

Western Pennsylvania Guide to Good Health. All rights reserved.