A Four-Letter Word for Relief

Fatigue. Insomnia. Weight gain. Mood swings.

Each of these conditions can be a symptom of caregiver stress. If there is a common cause for these problems, could there be a common source of relief?

Quite possibly – and it can be spelled in four letters. Y-O-G-A. This form of exercise is too often viewed as either too exotic (think voices chanting “om” in unison) or too hip (think Madonna) to be practical.

In truth, yoga is a form of release and relief that is enormously popular and increasingly available. The health benefits of yoga are well documented and can be particularly important to harried caregivers. Yoga focuses on mind-body-spirit unity. It requires both physical and mental discipline. The Mayo Clinic reports that yoga, with its emphasis on posture and breathing, can help:

• Reduce stress. Yoga requires quiet and concentration. It impels you to close your mind to stress and discipline yourself to seek peace.

• Increased fitness. Those who stick with yoga cite improvements in balance, range of motion, muscle tone, flexibility and strength.

• Weight loss. Yoga emphasizes self-control and discipline, including discipline over diet.

• Management of chronic conditions. Yoga may help with depression, anxiety, and insomnia as well as fatigue and mood.

Yoga is considered safe for people of all ages and abilities – even the wheelchair bound. Different types of yoga require different levels of intensity. If you are concerned about starting, talk to your doctor, particularly if you balance problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, certain eye conditions, or severe osteoporosis.

Beginner’s yoga classes are not difficult to find; local gyms, churches, and YMCA/YWCAs typically offer them. On line, check out “Everything Yoga,” which provides a directory of yoga classes by zip code. If your loved one is well enough, he or she may also benefit by participating with you. Or, if you can’t leave home, many books and videos allow you to learn and practice yoga at home. Yoga requires very little equipment: comfortable (breathable clothes) and a yoga mat (which can be rented).

Yoga isn’t a cure-all, but chanting “om” may in fact be your password to more peace.