Go Outside - ABCs of Self-Care for Caregivers

The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Isaiah 58:11 VoiceIn this podcast, Karen remembers her journey as a caregiver when her late husband, Bill, was in the Intensive Care Unit for 14 days. The lessons she learned there will bless you today.Takeaways:You deserve time to yourself. Budget at least 10 - 15 minutes outside every day.The increase in Vitamin D strengthens your immune system.Be present and mindful about everything that surrounds you.Take in some sunsets and sunrises.Enjoy the beauty of God's creation.On cloudy days look up expecting hope rays.God is at work even in the dark moments and always sends a message of hope just when we need it the most.Gardening is a good reason to get outside as well.Time outside will lower blood pressure, decrease anxiety and provide low impact exercise.PrayerThank You, Lord, for Your consistent guidance through the maze of caregiving for ____________ (name). So often my well feels very dry so it is a comfort to know that You will give me water and will restore my strength. Oh, how I need that right now as I am exhausted and feel like I don’t even have time to catch my breath. Thank You for comparing me to a well-watered garden. Even if I never plant a garden I will go outside and enjoy Your garden with it’s greenery, flowers, birds and butterflies. You will restore me as I rest in You and soak in Your beauty. Thank You that as I do that I can be an ever-flowing spring to others in need. As I meet others who need hope let me have extra to share with them.In Jesus’ name. Amen.For the other topics in the ABCs of Self-Care for Caregivers series, please check out the following podcasts:A - Accept Your Role with HonorB - Bounce Back with HopeC - Celebrate EverythingD - Dance with AbandonE - Eat Right and Enjoy Every BiteF- Forgive FreelyPlease subscribe, rate and review this podcast on your favorite podcasting platform.For more information, check out Karen's Instagram and Facebook group.Send a textFor more hope inspiration you can follow her posts on:https://www.instagram.com/the.hope.ladyhttps://www.facebook.com/hopeispowerfulRate and review this podcast to spread the hope to others who need to be reminded they can go from rock-bottom to the mountain top one step at a time.