meditation bringing calm to your daydaneadrc.org/pdf/covid-19 panel discussion 6-9-20...meditation...
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Meditation –Bringing calm to your dayJoy Schmidt – Dementia Care
Dane County Human Services
Let’s get centered
TheDalai Lama
“Humanity has an opportunity to transform negative emotions like fear and anxiety into determination and compassion for others.”
What is mindfulness?
A mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. (Oxford Dictionary)
Benefits of mindfulness
reduce stress
improved immune system
increase awareness
increase empathy and compassion
improve concentration and memory
There is science behind it!!
From the work of Richard Davidson with the Center for Healthy Minds
INCREASES NEUROPLASTICITY
REGULATION OF ATTENTION & EMOTION
RESILIENCY
Center for Healthy Minds
Richard Davidson
Website:Center for Healthy Minds
“The invitation in this work is that we can take more responsibility for our own brains and shape them in a more intentional way by cultivating healthy habits of mind.”
Affects of long term stress
affects our immune system
increased risk for disease
shortened life span
affects memory
increases our risk of developing dementia
Mind wandering & compassion training
being in the present lessens the tendency to desire things we don’t have.
compassion training increases our ability to empathize with others
leads to pro-social behavior
Wellbeing
These studies are finding that those who practice kindness & compassion and report a sense of purpose in their life have increased resilience & greater wellbeing.
Mindful caregiving for someone with dementia
Caregiver Stress
Symptoms of Burnout
Anger towards the person needing care
Increased anxiety
Sleeplessness
Exhaustion
Irritability
Lack of concentration
Increased health problems
Normal Feelings
Guilt
Anger
Grief
Sadness
Loss
Frustration
Why me?
Why now?
Caregivers who cope
talk about it
educate themselves
learn how to ask for help & accept help
take breaks
choose their battles
stay in the moment without judgment
learn to laugh
Body Language is Key!
When we are Mindful and in the moment we can…• pay attention to their body language
• and ours
When we are relaxed and present…• we can notice theirs
and communicate with ours
When you are “present”
You watch
You see
You listen
You hear
You let go of the past
You accept their reality
You are in the moment
Variety of Meditations
Focus on your breath
Checking In
Open Awareness
Body Scan
Noticing Thoughts
Walking Meditation
Eating Meditation
Compassionate Meditation
Accept Feelings
notice them
name them
where do you feel them?
how do they feel?
bring awareness to this feeling
bring kindness and compassion around it
breathe in and release
Mindfulness Meditation Classes
Innovations of Healthy Minds – Free!
Meditation on Monona Terrace - via Zoom Free!
UW Health Mindfulness Classes - there is a charge…may be covered partially by insurance and a caregiver grant
Jon Kabat Zinn – 9 attitudes of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction 9 attitudes
It takes practice
Joy Schmidt
Dementia Care Specialist
608-242-6200