How To Overcome Caregiver Fatigue

If you’re worn out, burned out or in need of a time out, here’s my favorite tool to help you get re-energized. 

I've used it daily for the past 2 years.  It's been my #1 self-care practice as I continue to ride the emotional roller coaster of providing elder care for my dad.

I learned about it on a podcast that led me to a book that started me on a 40 day challenge with a simple rest tool called Yoga Nidra.

I was completely worn out from helping my dad through his 3rd cancer surgery in a year when the podcast caught my attention.

I'd heard the name many times from my Yoga Therapist colleagues, but didn’t really "hear" it until my body needed it the most.

My body was like “Yes, THAT is what you need to do when you get home.”  Deep rest was exactly what my body was craving and I was the perfect candidate to test out the power of it.

I'll never forget my first yoga nidra nap and the way it refreshed and energized my worn-out body (and soul). 

It’s the most relaxed I’ve gotten on my own without going to acupuncture or massage.  I would even say it’s a deeper relaxation experience that energizes you versus having that post bodywork fog where you can barely drive home.

What is Yoga Nidra?

It’s basically meditation while you rest. 

You lie down, listen to a guided meditation, and rest. It’s called “yogic sleep” and involves intense relaxation.

Doesn’t it sound fascinating and fun?

It’s my favorite rest tool for managing fatigue and stress. 

If you’re a caregiver for little ones, old ones, even furry ones... it'll help you re-charge each day.

If you're in a healing profession... it's your burnout prevention tool.

If you’ve got a job that requires you to perform (athlete, speaker)… it’s your pre-game “find your flow” mindset tool.

A 15 minute yoga nidra nap will help you calm your nervous system so your body can repair and heal itself.

It has been such a powerful healing & recovery tool in my life.  I know it can be in yours as well.

Getting Started With Yoga Nidra

REST CHALLENGE:

• Join us for the 3 Day Yoga Nidra Rest Adventure. It's free and only takes 15 minutes a day.

OTHER RESOURCES:

• My Yoga Nidra mentor, Karen Brody, has the Daring To Rest™ podcast full of rest resources to support becoming a well-rested woman.
• Insight Timer is a free app with thousands of meditations- search for yoga nidra. Recommend searching for these teachers: Jennifer Piercy and Madhav.
• An Americanized version of Yoga Nidra is called iRest developed by Dr. Richard Miller. His iRest program is a popular treatment of PTSD, military, anxiety, etc.  He has a lot of books, recordings, and trainings available on his site.

Rest Well!
Mollie

P.S. Check out your brain on Yoga Nidra. The research on brain scans during Yoga Nidra is remarkable.  Your brain is asleep and awake at the same time. After you wake up, you're primed and ready to act: Brain scans