At times, when there is an onslaught of adverse events and work is demanding time and attention, it is hard to catch a real break. Certainly, in order to be able to serve long-term, REAL breaks are indicated! We are in for a marathon, not a sprint! BUT, in the thick of it, we can still regulate stress levels with Mini Breaks. What does that mean? Neurobiologists tell us that anything we focus on for more than 20 seconds will stay with us and affects how we are feeling. In contemplation people take some time to pay attention to something in nature, an image, a verse, or a characteristic (name) of God.
Prime situations for mini breaks are in between patient encounters, while washing hands for 20+ seconds, after a death, or at any time our bodies give us signals of increased tension. These signals are different for everybody: What are they for you, physically or mentally?
One way you could take a mini break is to sing or hum a song, even if quietly. It could be a short favorite song reminding you of God's love and faithfulness; or something light, fun, and humorous. It could be a short verse you recite or recall; or you can focus on something natural or beautiful around you; try vividly recalling your favorite vacation spot, a fun situation with family or friends; a memorable scene from a favorite sport; or contemplate on a favorite image from the Bible, e.g. the strong tower for refuge, the shelter of his wings around you, soaring on eagle's wings, carried by the good shepherd. Imagine it vividly, with all of your senses. When outside, pay attention for those 20+ seconds on anything calming, beautiful or neutral you can see. When your patient just died, and you can only groan, try making a gesture of handing him over to a loving God and his care, and pay attention to the sense of peace coming over you as you do this. And at any time, breathe deeply and slow down your exhalation. Contemplatives have been masters of breathing, and it certainly shuts down our stress response in just a few deep breaths. A power tool in the thick of it, for sure!
If you would like to share with others, what you find helpful, please feel free to leave a comment.
Prime situations for mini breaks are in between patient encounters, while washing hands for 20+ seconds, after a death, or at any time our bodies give us signals of increased tension. These signals are different for everybody: What are they for you, physically or mentally?
One way you could take a mini break is to sing or hum a song, even if quietly. It could be a short favorite song reminding you of God's love and faithfulness; or something light, fun, and humorous. It could be a short verse you recite or recall; or you can focus on something natural or beautiful around you; try vividly recalling your favorite vacation spot, a fun situation with family or friends; a memorable scene from a favorite sport; or contemplate on a favorite image from the Bible, e.g. the strong tower for refuge, the shelter of his wings around you, soaring on eagle's wings, carried by the good shepherd. Imagine it vividly, with all of your senses. When outside, pay attention for those 20+ seconds on anything calming, beautiful or neutral you can see. When your patient just died, and you can only groan, try making a gesture of handing him over to a loving God and his care, and pay attention to the sense of peace coming over you as you do this. And at any time, breathe deeply and slow down your exhalation. Contemplatives have been masters of breathing, and it certainly shuts down our stress response in just a few deep breaths. A power tool in the thick of it, for sure!
If you would like to share with others, what you find helpful, please feel free to leave a comment.
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