Patient Mindfulness Exercises

By The Family Room Care Team Last reviewed June 2025

Mindfulness can help your loved one feel calmer and more relaxed, even if they’re on a breathing machine. Here are some simple exercises you can try together:

Why Mindfulness Matters:

  • Helps manage stress and reduce anxiety
  • Can improve sleep and overall well-being
  • Offers a sense of control in a challenging environment

Getting Started

  • Keep sessions short (5-10 minutes)
  • Use a soothing, unhurried voice
  • It’s okay if they fall asleep – that’s relaxation at work!
Exercise 1: Gentle Breath Awareness

Speak in a soft, calm voice

Ask them to focus on the sensation of breathing

Guide them to notice the rise and fall of their chest

Remind them it’s okay if their mind wanders; gently bring attention back to breath

Continue for 2-5 minutes

Exercise 2: Soothing Body Scan

Start at the top of the head, moving down to the toes

Ask them to notice sensations in each body part (warmth, heaviness, tingling)

Encourage them to relax each area as you move through

Go slowly, spending about 30 seconds on each major body part

End with awareness of the whole body

Exercise 3: Peaceful Visualization

Invite them to imagine a calm, safe place (beach, forest, etc.)

Describe gentle details (soft sand, warm sun, cool breeze)

Engage their senses (what they might see, hear, smell, feel)

Encourage them to rest in this peaceful mental space

Continue for 3-5 minutes

TIP

Try these exercises yourself first to feel more comfortable guiding them.