** Edited by
Baha and Margaret Habashy
The Challenge
Unpaid caregivers carry heavy emotional and physical burdens. Stress, fatigue, and mental overload are common, leaving little room for peace or personal care. Finding moments of “flow”—deep focus and enjoyment in a simple activity—can offer relief. Whether it’s journaling, painting, baking, or gardening, engaging in something meaningful helps caregivers recharge. These precious pockets of calm not only soothe the mind but also restore strength for the ongoing demands of caregiving.
Maria’s Garden Escape
Maria, 72, has been caring for her sister, Elena, who is battling early-onset dementia. Each day begins with helping Elena dress, repeat conversations, and soothe her fears. The routine is relentless. Maria misses her freedom, her friends, and her quiet.
But in the afternoon, she tends to her garden. She loses herself pulling weeds, trimming roses, and arranging petals in a small vase. For those 30 minutes, she doesn’t think about meds or appointments—just the smell of soil and the joy of creation.
Maria realizes this is her sanctuary. In that time, she’s not just a caregiver—she’s herself. The garden doesn’t fix everything, but it helps her keep going. And sometimes, Elena joins her, smiling quietly as they sit in the sun.
BIBLICAL INSIGHTS
Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious… and the peace of God… will guard your hearts.”
→ Flow helps relieve anxiety. God’s peace can arrive during calm, focused activities.
Ecclesiastes 3:13 – “…to find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.”
→ Moments of flow are a divine gift—finding joy in simple work is holy.
Psalm 23:2-3 – “He makes me lie down in green pastures… He refreshes my soul.”
→ Flow refreshes the weary soul, just as God provides moments of calm in chaos.
Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart…”
→ Doing even small activities wholeheartedly invites peace and purpose into everyday life.
Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast…”
→ Focused attention—like in flow—can draw us into God’s perfect peace, even in hardship.
THOUGHTS AND TIPS
- Identify a meaningful activity.
→ Choose something you love—gardening, drawing, writing—where time disappears. - Schedule 20 minutes daily.
→ Set aside non-negotiable time for yourself, even if it’s only 10–20 minutes. - Keep supplies nearby.
→ Store your journal, yarn, or sketchpad where it’s easy to grab when you get a break. - Make a calming space.
→ Create a cozy nook with light, comfort, and no distractions for your flow time. - Set boundaries.
→ Let others know this short time is yours—ask not to be disturbed unless necessary. - Turn off your phone.
→ Even brief flow can be lost to interruptions—silence your devices. - Start small.
→ You don’t need an hour—just 10 minutes of knitting or music can reset your mind. - Keep a flow log.
→ Note when you feel calmest—track what works best for you. - Try mindful breathing first.
→ Take three deep breaths before beginning to center your mind. - Avoid multitasking.
→ Focus solely on your chosen activity—flow only happens with undivided attention. - Include your loved one.
→ If they’re able, colour together, garden, or listen to music side by side. - Use music as flow.
→ Listening to or playing calming music can trigger flow quickly. - Accept imperfection.
→ The activity doesn’t have to be “productive”—just joyful or absorbing. - Revisit childhood hobbies.
→ Activities you enjoyed when young often bring effortless joy and absorption. - Declutter your time.
→ Eliminate one non-essential task weekly to make room for rest or flow. - Join a creative group.
→ A virtual or local art or journaling circle can encourage flow and connection. - Reflect afterward.
→ After a flow session, say a short prayer of gratitude or journal how it felt. - Use nature.
→ Flow often happens during walks, bird-watching, or outdoor tasks. - Try new activities.
→ If painting doesn’t work, try puzzles, baking, or building something with your hands. - Ask God for joy.
→ Begin with prayer: “Lord, help me find peace in this moment.”
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** Note: This blog content was developed with help from ChatGPT 3.5. The story, names and images are for illustration only.
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