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How to witness suffering, yet avoid emotional burnout, was the topic of a Carolyn Hax advice column in The Washington Post. She states that "None of us can afford to live and die by others' suffering, nor are we built for it." She suggested that while it's normal to feel sympathy for another's pain, it is not wise to dwell on it." While on the surface her words may sound callous, in practice we caregivers are most effective when we create some emotional distance between ourselves and those experiencing distress.
One of the best ways to emotionally disengage, at least for a period of time, is by spending time in nature. Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, says we as humans are hard-wired to love and need exposure to the natural world. He refers to nature as the "N Vitamin." According to a study in the April 4, 2019 Frontiers in Psychology, spending just 20 minutes connecting with nature helps lower stress hormone levels.
When my mind's crowded with concerns for others as well as for myself, there's no better therapy than to get outdoors for a walk or a bicycle ride, or even to work in my yard or garden. In nature, I usually gain perspective, new insights, and a sense of peace and calm. Perhaps it's time for you to take your N Vitamin if you haven't already. It's a great time of year to get outside!
Warm regards,
Rebecca Hauder, BSN, M.Ed.
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