Caregivers Find Self‑Care at Ananda Yoga Workshops

Ananda Yoga is driving the “Health and Well‑Being” project, with registrations open until June. Free group sessions are offered to help non‑professional caregivers cope with the physical, mental and emotional overload associated with caring for others.

Project launch

Group sessions of the Health and Well‑Being project have begun. The initiative targets non‑professional caregivers on Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria—mostly women—who assume responsibility for dependent family members.

The burden of looking after another person, often without family support or institutional help, can lead to high stress levels, fatigue, anxiety, and sleep problems.

To address this, Ananda Yoga’s workshops provide:

• Therapeutic yoga sessions
• Conscious breathing and relaxation techniques
• Participatory workshops on stress, self‑esteem, resilience, self‑care, personal boundaries, and assertive communication

“In 2015, during an especially difficult moment, yoga and meditation entered my life and became essential tools to regain calm and health.” – Beby Martínez García, project coordinator

The program also emphasizes:

• Active listening spaces
• Individualized accompaniment for cases of overload
• Conscious leisure activities and personal growth opportunities

Why the project matters

Beby Martínez explains that the project stems largely from her own experience as a caregiver for years, dealing with illness and dependency within her family. She adds that her personal journey now drives her to support other caregivers in their often‑overlooked self‑care process.

The next sessions are scheduled for March 21 in Fuerteventura and March 14 in Gran Canaria, with the calendar extending through July 2026 and including community‑building days.

The Health and Well‑Being program is financially backed by the Government of the Canary Islands.

Who are non‑professional caregivers?

A non‑professional caregiver provides continuous care to a dependent person—usually a family member or close acquaintance—without a formal employment contract or payment. Duties often include personal assistance, emotional support, medication supervision, routine organization, and medical appointment coordination.

Ananda Yoga notes that most of these caregivers are women, which is why the project adopts a gender‑focused perspective, though men are also welcome to participate.

Schedule and enrollment

Fuerteventura

• Venue: Ananda Yoga, Maestro Falla 22, local 2
• Hours: 10:00 – 13:00
• Sessions so far: First meeting on Saturday, 7 March; next on 21 March
• Upcoming dates: 7 April, 25 April, 16 May, 6 June, 20 June
• Contact for registration: WhatsApp +34 629 474 433 or email [email protected]

Gran Canaria

• Venue: Firgas, Paseo Islas Canarias 4
• Hours: 10:00 – 13:00
• Upcoming dates: 14 March, 28 March, 18 April, 9 May, 23 May, 13 June, 27 June
• Contact for registration: WhatsApp +34 669 155 353 or email [email protected]

Ananda Yoga’s broader experience

The Association has previously delivered several community‑wellness programs, including:

• Health and Well‑Being: Learning to Manage Thoughts and Emotions – for caregivers and adults at risk of emotional overload
• CuidadosaMente – aimed at youth and adolescents
• Living Fully – for seniors over 65 in Antigua
• HealthyMind – breathing and mindfulness practices for primary‑school students in Fuerteventura

These initiatives demonstrate the organization’s long‑standing commitment to health, emotional balance, and community support.