When I unexpectedly became a primary care partner to both of my parents as the pandemic was kicking into high gear (in an environment that seemed to willfully neglect older adults), reading for myself was all but abandoned. Now there were plenty of reading opportunities as I was invariably waiting for the next care-related appointment, but I lacked the mental energy. While our parents were still living at home and both enduring an endless string of emergencies, there was too much to do, too little help, and we were all just treading some deep waters.

Because of the lack of care I put into myself, along with the demands of the care I gave, my body became affected. As much as I allowed the wound to be where the light enters, I also had to acknowledge that my body has stored some of the trauma and stress, and I needed to learn how to clear it to regain my full vitality.

Research shows that regardless of age, nature can boost physical and mental health and well-being. For family caregivers and those needing care, time in nature is a critical stress-taming ally. A simple walk together in a park, a pause to look through a window, or a moment outside to look at the tree right in front of your home can be an act of caregiving and self-care all at once.

Community involvement is part of being human. From a sense of contribution to the success and happiness of others to knowing you also have support if ever needed, there is a reason humans are social by nature. Family caregivers live this. We can accomplish a lot when we work together so it's critical especially to remember that you can cultivate that sense of community in many areas of your life.

When faced with loss, our very human responses range from shock and anger to profound sadness and enduring despair. While mourning can plunge us into prolonged grief and hopelessness, the natural world offers a pathway towards finding peace and inner tranquility. Studies continue to reveal how time in nature can lower blood pressure, stress hormones levels and anxiety, while boosting self-esteem and mood.

Embarking on my journey to becoming a permaculturist and transforming our yard into an urban forest garden has opened my eyes to the profound ways in which nature can enhance health and wellness. While exercise and nutrition are two important aspects of a healthy lifestyle, my experience has shown me that spending time outdoors and engaging in gardening activities can greatly amplify their effects. Along the way, I've picked up many fun and easy ways to infuse the outdoors into daily life. As April marks National Garden Month, there's no better time to step outside to start reaping Nature’s rewards.

Caregiving, whether for a family member, friend, or neighbor, is a journey fraught with emotional complexities. Alongside feelings of love and duty, family caregivers often grapple with frustration, resentment, and even anger – directed at the situation, the system, and sometimes themselves. It’s the perfect storm to generate overwhelm. However, within these challenges lies an opportunity for personal growth, learning, and resilience. Let's explore how caregivers can navigate this journey while prioritizing their own wellness and discovering inner strength they never knew they had.

Our sleeping patterns significantly impact our mental and physical health. Understanding our chronotype and circadian rhythm – whether we're early risers (morning larks), late risers (night owls), or somewhere in between – is essential for making the most of our time and energy. As we age, the challenges of obtaining healthy sleep become more pronounced, especially when caregiving while experiencing shifting circadian rhythms.

When you're caregiving at home, receiving effective support from others can make the difference between a bad day and an okay day. Whether you are already part of a support group, or looking to create one, social support comes in various forms with varying benefits. Let's explore four key types of social support and uncover how they can boost your resilience.

Sometimes, I need to laugh at dementia. To be clear: dementia and all forms of its relations are heartbreaking, silently snatching fragments of personality, identity, and lifelong anchors. Dementia robs an individual of so much, including their independence and agency; still, this does not mean that someone living with dementia is doomed to exist in a joyless, meaningless fog.

Moderate physical exercise stimulates physiological changes in the body and the brain. If you want to give yourself the best chance of aging well, the guideline is 150 minutes per week - or 20 minutes per day - of moderate aerobic activity. If even that seems daunting, it turns out that even 6-9 minutes per day can be better than nothing. Below are 3 ideas to bring fun physical fitness back into focus.