Stress Relief Breaks Help Caregivers During COVID-19
Angela Vizcaino, an exercise physiologist and certified yoga instructor at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford, wanted to provide a unique service and beneficial resource to her hospital family as they continued to address COVID-19.
Speaking with Jennifer Scott, Texas Health HEB’s Cardiac and Vascular Rehab manager, they organized a team to implement the hospital’s Stress Relief Break program. Sandy Angell, Chase Reimer and Kimmi Nguyen round out the Texas Health HEB stress relief team. Angela explains the importance of the program and how it’s being received at Texas Health HEB.
How did you come up with the idea?
We were discussing our various skill sets and ways that we could help the hospital during the pandemic. Beyond the clinical roles, I also teach stress management to our cardiac rehab patients, and I wanted to utilize this skill set to help our staff de-stress.
What motivated you to orchestrate the breaks?
I noticed an increase in my own stress and anxiety levels, along with my co-workers. Changes occurred daily, and fear was creeping in as COVID-19 cases increased. Everyone was affected by new protocols, reassignments and even a new way of life at home.
We know that stress can sometimes lead to anxiety, depression, heart disease, diabetes and metabolic syndromes. We teach our patients how to manage stress through relaxation techniques, and we know that there are physiological changes that occur with practice.
We also know that our care team eagerly gives their time and energy to their work, but they don’t always take time to care for themselves. That motivated us to go to them with stress relief breaks.
How do you perform the stress relief breaks?
It includes breathing exercises, physical stretches, progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery.
The main breathing techniques include:
- Belly breathing (diaphragmatic)
- Counting breath (4:6 ratio)
- Three-part breathing (belly, ribs, chest)
- “HAAA” breathing (sigh of relief)
Each breathing technique increases oxygen and blood flow, stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system and helps the mind to focus.
We then complete stretches from the neck down to the legs to improve circulation, release muscle tension, and to increase flexibility – synchronizing our movements with our breathing. The vibration of the breath and the physical release of muscle tension allows the sympathetic nervous system to calm down and helps us eliminate “fight or flight.”
We then start progressive muscle relaxation – contracting and releasing each muscle – from the feet up to the facial muscles, one by one.
Then we sink into our chairs, close our eyes, and begin meditation with imagery. Guided meditation with imagery helps us visualize peaceful scenery and awaken our senses.
We end the stress relief break by focusing on our breath and our feet, which are anchored to the floor as a focal point. We also end the session with a positive thought for the day.
What has been the reaction from employees?
Most have been grateful for our services and that we thought of them during this time. Often, they are frazzled, exhausted and emotional before we begin. Afterwards, they are calm, relaxed and thankful.
I hope that everyone will start to focus on their mental and physical health now and continue even after the pandemic ends.
Click on the hyperlinks below to watch two demonstration videos from Angela. You can also view several photos from stress relief breaks at Texas Health HEB, which began on April 13.
Breathing techniques: click here
Chair yoga: click here
(Pictured top right: Jennifer Scott (left), Texas Health HEB’s Cardiac and Vascular Rehab manager, stands outside the fitness center with Angela Vizcaino, exercise physiologist and “stress whisperer.”)
By Chandra Caradine • Posted May 5, 2020
