Breath & Mindfulness a Guide for ICU Caregivers

By The Family Room Care Team Last reviewed June 2025

Try These Mindfulness Practices

Circles of Light Guided Visualization Practice (5 mins)

Breath Awareness Guided Practice (4 mins)

Body Awareness Guided Practice (5 mins)

Breathing to Relax (self-paced)

Movement (self-paced)

TIP

Remember: Mindfulness is a practice. The more you do it, the easier it will get.

Getting Started With Mindfulness

Practicing just a few minutes of mindfulness can make a huge difference in how you show up for your loved one and how you feel day-to-day.

It can feel hard if you haven’t done it much. That’s OK! We’re here to guide you.

Mindfulness means paying attention to what’s happening right now, without judging it. It’s like being a friendly observer of your own thoughts and feelings.

  • It’s about noticing what’s going on in your body and mind
  • You don’t need to change your thoughts, just watch them
  • It’s normal for your mind to wander
    • Daydream
    • Worry
    • Plan
    • Reflect
  • Give attention to your breathe and gently bring your mind back
  • With practice, mindfulness becomes easier
  • Be compassionate with yourself

Benefits of Mindfulness

Taking the time to take care of your mind, body, and spirit will help you be a better caregiver for your loved one.

  • Boosts your immune system
  • Lowers blood pressure and stress
  • Helps you sleep better
  • Can help with depression and anxiety
  • Can help with anger and frustration
  • Improves creativity and self-esteem
  • Provides clarity and focus

Tips for Practicing Mindfulness

The goal is not to quiet the mind, but to focus attention on your breath and body.

  • Be gentle with yourself: As thoughts come along, greet them, cradle them like a baby and gently set them down.
  • Name your thoughts: As you find yourself in the middle of thoughts again, be aware and name them  — “Oh there’s a thought about my mom” — or—  “there’s a thought about work”
  • Focus on the sensations: Notice the cool air entering your nose and the warm air leaving your mouth as you breathe. Feel your chest and belly expand and contract with each breath.
  • Have a calming word: Repeat a soothing word like “calm”, “love”, or “heal”  in your mind as you breathe.