Yoga for caregivers

The increase in technological advancements in society, improvements in healthcare services, the extension of human lifespan, etc., inevitably lead to an increase in aging, a rise in individuals with chronic illnesses, and a growing number of individuals with special needs. The increase in the number of individuals with special needs is also leading to a rise in the number of caregivers in society. Caregiving encompasses many aspects, such as physical, social, spiritual, and financial, among others. Caregivers are experiencing various health issues due to the burden of caregiving, and this situation indirectly leads to a decline in their quality of life and the emergence of psychological problems. It has been found that caregivers allocate less time for themselves, struggle to meet their own needs and engage in fewer health-promoting activities. Yoga, which is a complementary and integrative health practice based on the bodymind connection, has become an important nursing initiative aimed at caregivers. Due to the positive effects of yoga on physical, social, and spiritual dimensions, it will not only serve individuals as a means of physical activity but will also contribute positively to many issues they experience on social and spiritual levels. Empowering caregivers not only benefits the individual but also positively impacts the health of the person receiving care. Considering this, the promotion of yoga as a nursing intervention among caregivers, along with the ability to plan individual or group practices, cost-effectiveness, and so on, makes yoga quite significant in enhancing the health of caregivers who are in disadvantaged positions within society.