CLASS #5

RECOGNIZING STRESS

§        STIMULUS ACTIVITY:  Just Breathe.
Objective:  GMs will experience the relaxation technique of deep breathing and imagery.

Description:  GMs recline on pallets or towels on the floor with a small pillow underneath the head and another pillow under the knees. Close eyes. GL plays a relaxation tape of soft New Age meditative music containing gentle verbal prompts to help one relax. This tape takes the GMs through a 5 or 10 minute relaxation exercise that involves deep controlled breathing while GMs envision a comforting mental image of a safe and relaxing scene or place.

 

§        TODAY’S TOPIC:  RECOGNIZING AND REDUCING STRESS. GL distributes handout from the Alzheimer’s Association containing the 10 Symptoms of Caregiver Stress and discusses these and other physical and emotional signals that are signs of too much stress in ones life. http://www.alz.org/care/coping/caregiverstress.asp. Discuss the guilt some CGs feel about taking time to relax and why it is beneficial for the CG to relax and reduce tension in oneself in order to deal more effectively with the CR situation and the accompanying effects on the entire family. Discuss that every relaxation technique is not suitable for everyone; that one must discover what works for him/her self. Today and next session, GL will present various techniques and have GMs practice in class as well as at home in order to discover what works best for each individual.

Today:

1. Controlled Breathing and Imagery:  Discuss how today’s stimulus activity did/did not work for GMs. Practice this technique once again.

2.  Neuromuscular Relaxation:  Isotonic and/or isometric muscular contractions. Starting at the shoulders have GMs contract muscles, hold tension for 5 seconds, and then totally release tension. Continue this throughout selected muscle groups until entire body is relaxed. GMs practice until they feel comfortable that they can achieve this at home.

 

§        Break

 

§        HOMEWORK FROM PAST WEEK:  GMs share the humorous cartoons, stories, and jokes they collected.

 

§        TALK-IT-OUT

 

§        HOMEWORK:  GL distributes a log form on which the GMs will record their attempts at a daily relaxation technique and assess how it is/is not working for them. Leader gives GMs a relaxation tape (copy of what was used in the stimulus activity).

 

§        POST-SESSION EVALUATION