workshop 2

Workshop 2 Behavioral Prescriptions Stress Management: 

Workshop 2 Behavioral Prescriptions Stress Management Laura Lee Phillips MA Lou Burgio PhD The University of Alabama Center for Mental Health and Aging

Introduce  Behavioral Prescriptions: 

Introduce Behavioral Prescriptions Show a sample prescription Discuss and review the monitoring forms “Small talk”

“Small Talk” & Meetings…: 

“Small Talk” & Meetings… ½ hour to hour in Small talk… Use this time to relax, discuss the events of the day, or to build a friendship! Meanwhile I will meet with each of you or small groups of you to review your behavioral prescription and individualize it further.

Stress & You… : 

Stress & You… It is important to manage stress for the health reasons we discussed yesterday… Tense muscles High blood pressure Digestive problems Heart problems Increased susceptibility to colds or the flu Emotional Problems

General health tips to decrease stress : 

General health tips to decrease stress Keep professional healthcare appointments Take prescribed medications as directed by your health care professional Get enough sleep and rest Drink enough water Avoid smoking or relying on alcohol or drugs to feel better

Stress Signals: 

Stress Signals 1. Feeing irritable with yourself and others 2. Inability to sleep soundly through the night 3. Changes in appetite 4. Inability to laugh and have a good time 5. Difficulty focusing on tasks 6. Lack of interest in your appearance or cleanliness 7. Withdrawal or avoidance of others

Ways to respond to stress signals: 

Ways to respond to stress signals Talk about your feelings with a friend Exercise Take time out for YOU Build a support system People to run errands People who listen People who would be willing to help care for your loved one Journal Use art to express yourself Think & speak positively Focus on today not the past or future Keep your sense of humor Try creative ways to solve your problems

15 minutes a day…  helps keep burnout away! : 

15 minutes a day… helps keep burnout away! Physical exercise such as walking Listen to tapes, records, television programs that make you laugh. Spending time with friends and family Phone friends or family to say hello Talk things out with a friend, or see a counselor if needed Set aside time for religious or spiritual practices that are important to you Learn & practice relaxation techniques

Stress Management: 

Stress Management Interactive exercise… In the past month – has caregiving made you feel overwhelmed or extremely tired? How often does this happen? What do you do when this happens? What works the best to help you when you feel overwhelmed or tired?

Rate your current stress: 

Rate your current stress 1 = not at all tense 2 = Slightly tense 3 = Moderately tense 4 = Really tense 5 = Terribly tense

The Signal Breath: 

The Signal Breath This exercise is ideal because a caregiver can use this technique anywhere at anytime. This can be used numerous times, takes only a moment and can reduce a lot of tension.

Slide12: 

How did that work? What relaxing word or words did you say? With regular practice relaxation comes more naturally and the signal breath becomes more effective

Rate your current stress: 

Rate your current stress 1 = not at all tense 2 = Slightly tense 3 = Moderately tense 4 = Really tense 5 = Terribly tense

The power of music: 

The power of music Prior to this next exercise, I would like to know if anyone brought music to share today? What types of music do you listen to? Does it vary depending on your mood? What music gives you energy? What music helps you to relax?

Rate your current stress: 

Rate your current stress 1 = not at all tense 2 = Slightly tense 3 = Moderately tense 4 = Really tense 5 = Terribly tense

Musical Interlude: 

Musical Interlude What types helped you to relax most? What kinds would your loved one enjoy? What types of music do you find annoying?

Rate your current stress: 

Rate your current stress 1 = not at all tense 2 = Slightly tense 3 = Moderately tense 4 = Really tense 5 = Terribly tense

Stretching away Stress: 

Stretching away Stress 1 = not at all tense 2 = Slightly tense 3 = Moderately tense 4 = Really tense 5 = Terribly tense Complete stretching exercises Rate again

Guided Imagery: 

Guided Imagery 1 = not at all tense 2 = Slightly tense 3 = Moderately tense 4 = Really tense 5 = Terribly tense Rate tension following imagery

Homework!: 

Homework! Begin the behavioral prescription Note changes and progress towards the goal Practice the relaxation exercises at least once a day! Complete the stress diary Laura Lee will call during the week to check in on your progress