Stressed out caregivers... stressed out clients... stressed out families!   We all have to deal with stress in our world, but caring for (and being!) an elder loved one can add new tensions in our day.  But there is a lot we can do about addressing our stress levels, including using powerful minds to create greater easy and relaxation. And it can be done in just a moment!

Though a long weekend at a retreat sounds like it would be required to bring our stress down a notch or three, actually our minds are so powerful that we can make a real difference in our lives by practicing brief moments of very simple meditation.  Studies have shown that momentary relaxation techniques practiced regularly can impact not just our sense of stress, but our physiologic functioning as well. Now, that's powerful stuff!

Below is a sweet little video about one such brief meditation technique. Teach not just to yourself, but to your elder loved ones -- and practice it with them.  A stressful moment is a wonderful time to pause and say, "Hey, let's both take a minute to relax and meditate." Bet things seems different when you come back to whatever it is that's been stressing you!  (Please let us know in comments how this works for you....)

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