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Exercise 1. Slow rhythmic breathing for relaxation
Exercise 2. Simple touch, massage, or warmth for relaxation
Exercise 3. Peaceful past experience
Exercise 4. Active listening to recorded music
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Source: McCaffery and Beebe, 1989. Adapted and reprinted with permission. Note: May be duplicated for use in clinical practice. |
Touch and massage are age-old methods of helping others relax. Some examples
are:
Especially for the elderly person, a back rub that effectively produces relaxation may consist of no more than 3 minutes of slow, rhythmic stroking (about 60 strokes per minute) on both sides of the spinous process from the crown of the head to the lower back. Continuous hand contact is maintained by starting one hand down the back as the other hand stops at the lower back and is raised. Set aside a regular time for the massage. This gives the patient something to look forward to and depend on. |
Source: McCaffery and Beebe, 1989. Adapted and reprinted with permission.
Note: May be duplicated for use in clinical practice. |
Something may have happened to you a while ago that brought you peace and
comfort. You may be able to draw on that past experience to bring you peace
or comfort now. Think about these questions:
Additional points: Very likely some of the things you think of in answer to these questions can be recorded for you, such as your favorite music or a prayer. Then, you can listen to the tape whenever you wish. Or, if your memory is strong, you may simply close your eyes and recall the events or words. |
Source: McCaffery and Beebe, 1989. Adapted and reprinted with permission. Note: May be duplicated for use in clinical practice. |
Additional points: Many patients have found this technique to be helpful. It tends to be very popular, probably because the equipment is usually readily available and is a part of daily life. Other advantages are that it is easy to learn and is not physically or mentally demanding. If you are very tired, you may simply listen to the music and omit marking time or focusing on a spot. |
Source: McCaffery and Beebe, 1989. Adapted and reprinted with permission. Note: May be duplicated for use in clinical practice. |