Have you ever been in a stressful situation and wish you had better coping skills? Me too! When you’re caregiving, you’re in stressful situations regularly.
Here’s what I do…
I find that moving slowly… intentionally moving slowly helps everyone! It’s one small way to make everything around you a little calmer. It’s a very mindful and intentional trick that I play with myself to remain calm.
The reason it’s important to slow down when you’re with someone with advanced illness or at the end of life, is because it helps calm the central nervous system – for you AND your-loved one. Facing serious illness or death is literally a fight or flight situation. So… whenever I can, I want to help engage the parasympathetic nervous system and moving slowly helps.
I deliberately and intentionally slow-down everything I do. I walk slower, I talk slower and I move about the room slower. If I’m preparing to provide a massage, I even wash my hands slower. When I’m slow it encourages others to be slow and creates a calmer environment.
So, the next time you’re in a stressful situation. Maybe your loved-one is angry. Maybe they’re stressed out or experiencing anxiety, I want you to give it a try.
Before you open the door to walk into their room, I want you to think about staying calm and moving slowly as you:
- enter the space
- while you’re with your loved-one
- and as you exit.
Be intentional. It takes practice, but I know it will work for you with time.
Imagine how will it make you feel to be the Calm One in the Room? You’ll benefit and so will your loved one.
I want to encourage you to give it a try today!
Warmly, Susan
Questions? Comments? Would LOVE to hear from you.
susan@progressivemassagetherapy.com