Introducing NewPodcas t forCaregivers

Tune into TheNorthland Caregiver,amonthlypodcast createdby Duluth Aging Support to help youonyourcaregiver journey.

Each month, you’ll be joined by your host and Registered Occupational Therapist Dr.Mary LouDonovan, and co-host LeezaOchsner from Duluth Aging Support, who will sharehelpful adviceonsafelyand effectivelycaring foraging familymembers, friends, and yourself along the way.

To listen to the podcast, head to duluthagingsupport.org/podcast or subscribe directlyonSpotify,Apple Podcasts or wherever you find your podcasts.

can be an option for everybody.

“No matter your shape, size, gender, age, race, sexual orientation, or whether or not you’ve never done a downwardfacing dog in your life, you can unroll your mat, move and have fun,” Warner said.

“Yoga is simple,” she added. “It’s about listening to your body, coming to your mat, and slowing down. Take a few moments, remove the many hats we wear throughout the day and just be you.”

In addition to a variety of yoga classes, Align also offers meditation classes, sound healing, retreats, special events/ workshops, and more.

Other tips

Warner offered other suggestions.

“The biggest tip I have is to schedule: classes, rest and play,” she said. “Consider it a meeting with your boss. If you have that time blocked off, it’s a little harder to not do it.

“Also, have an ‘accountability partner,’” she added. “Have someone who will help you stick to your schedule. I have started doing that, and it helps so much.”

Another tip toward a balanced life is gratitude.

“Take time to find the silver linings throughout the day,” Warner said. “It can be as simple as really enjoying your morning coffee or as complicated as making progress on a project. I started writing down three things I am grateful for in a journal before bed, and it genuinely helps my sleep and mood.”

Benefits

Most of us know how it feels to be overworked and burned out. Adding a bit of self-care into your routine can work wonders in improving the balance in your life.

“If your mental health is struggling, then everything else does, too,” Warner said. “It affects your sleep, diet, relationships, etc. Having some kind of balance helps all the above tiers in your life flow a little bit easier.

“Think of it like dominoes. Once one topples, generally they all do. By finding balance, you keep the dominos up and that helps you both physically and mentally.”

Final thoughts

Warner and Merrick wrapped up the topic of work-life balance with some final thoughts.

“Celebrate your wins and successes,” Warner said. “Focusing on the bright spots helps so much with mood and work-life balance.”

“Also, don’t take life too seriously,” she added. “I make it a goal to laugh at least a few times a day. One of my goals for the studio is to create an atmosphere of fun and laughter. It’s something people really resonate with, because, honestly, we need it.”

According to Merrick, achieving good self-care is ultimately about making choices.

“We’re so busy giving to everyone else and thinking that’s what we’re supposed to do and that it’s selfish to take time for ourselves, or to say ‘no’ to something,” Merrick said. “(But) it’s up to us to choose for ourselves. We’re the only ones who can decide what we want. I want others to value themselves so that they can be happy with who they are, and then they’ll be making choices that make them happy with their life.” D