SPRING MILLS — We could all use a mini retreat for the body and mind. But for caregivers, a restorative timeout is crucial.
TriYoga of Central Pennsylvania, a yoga nonprofit that has been serving the region since 2000, is offering a free workshop for the caregivers in the community. “Yoga to Sustain: Nurture Yourself as You Care for Others” will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, at TriYoga Spring Mills, inside the Old Gregg School. A snow date is planned for Sunday, Feb. 19.
Experience with yoga or TriYoga is not required, and modifications for all bodies will be offered.
After brief introductions that will allow participants to share their own personal stories, the workshop will begin in stillness, with the breath flowing. From there, participants will experience the relaxing and rejuvenating practice of TriYoga through meditation, breath awareness and simple, supported movements for the body. Workshop attendees will leave with practices that can be used at home as they balance their own self-care with the responsibility of caring for others.
While caregiving can be associated with mental health benefits, the negative health effects of this rewarding role can be serious. Research links a subgroup of caregiving to such conditions as depression, anxiety and poor sleep, as well as an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
“As caregivers we often place the needs of the other first and foremost, and neglect important self-care with potentially detrimental health effects,” said Jill Buchanan, a TriYoga of Central Pennsylvania teacher and certified registered nurse practitioner.
“I’m hoping that this time spent together exploring simple and easy-to-apply yoga practices and enjoying the relaxation of simple stretching, strengthening and tension-relieving movements will give participants a nice break, but also a practice to turn to again for self-care and rejuvenation.”
This community workshop for all levels, including first-timers, is made possible by the donors of TriYoga of Central Pennsylvania.
The event is free, but registration is encouraged. To register, or for more information, visit www.pennsylvaniayoga.com or call (814) 364-2435.
