Karen's story: cross trainer renewing wellbeing

Karen's story: cross trainer renewing wellbeing

Karen is an unpaid carer for her elderly parents, both of whom live with a range of health conditions, meaning they increasingly rely on her support. As they have grown older and less able to manage independently, Karen has become a constant presence in their lives, helping with day-to-day tasks, appointments and ensuring they are safe and well.

Karen has a close and loving relationship with her parents, and would never consider not being there for them. However, the demands of caring can be exhausting. Over time, she found herself caught in a cycle that many carers experience, focusing so much on the needs of others that her own health and wellbeing were left behind. Days revolved around caring responsibilities, with little time or energy for anything else. Gradually, Karen's world became smaller and her confidence, motivation and wellbeing began to suffer.

"It is very easy to get sucked into caring day in and day out. You stop making time for yourself and before you know it, you're stuck in a routine that isn't healthy for you."

Recognising that something needed to change, Karen started to prioritise her own health. She wanted to lose weight, improve her fitness, and regain the energy she needed to continue caring for her parents in a sustainable way. With support from a Time to Live microgrant, Karen was able to purchase a cross trainer for her home. Having exercise equipment at home meant she could fit workouts around her caring responsibilities while remaining close by if her parents needed support.

Alongside using the cross trainer regularly, Karen began making healthier food choices and taking local walks whenever she could.

"The cross trainer has been brilliant for me. It's given me renewed motivation and I feel so much better for it. I have more energy and my mental health has improved tenfold. Thank you for this grant, it has been life-changing."

These moments of respite helped break the cycle of caring, providing a positive routine that benefited both her physical and mental health. As her confidence grew, so did her sense of wellbeing and resilience. Today, Karen feels healthier, happier and better equipped to balance her own needs alongside those of the people she cares for most.

Find out more about Time to Live here.