CRITICAL CARE Wellbeing Project
Watch pre-recorded Yoga and mindfulness Classes on-demand
When a loved one is in critical care, it can be an overwhelming and emotionally challenging time. You may experience high levels of stress, anxiety and uncertainty while trying to support your loved one as best you can. That is why we have created a series of pre-recorded breath work, meditation and chair yoga classes, specifically for relatives of patients in intensive care. These classes are a space for you to pause, take a breath and maybe find a moment of calm.
What to Expect
These gentle and accessible classes focus on helping to reduce stress, calm the nervous system and support overall wellbeing. Whether you have just a few minutes or more time to dedicate to yourself, we hope you will find a class that fits into your day.
Our pre-recorded class library includes:
Breath work classes to help regulate stress and bring a sense of calm.
Chair yoga classes for gentle movement that can be done anywhere, including at the bedside or in a waiting area.
Guided Meditation classes to help you relax, clear your mind and a feel a little more at ease for a few moments.
Every class is taught by Megan, a yoga teacher and staff nurse in intensive care who has an understanding of the unique challenges faced by those with loved ones in intensive care. These classes are created with compassion, inclusivity and accessibility in mind, ensuring that no prior yoga experience is needed.
Funded Support for You
These classes are free to access, thanks to funding from NHS Lothian Charity as part of our Ward 20 Wellbeing Project. This initiative is dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of staff, patients and families in critical care, recognising that caring for yourself is just as important as caring for your loved one.
Take a Moment for You
We invite you to explore these sessions at your own pace, taking what you need, when you need it. Whether it’s a few deep breaths, a short stretch or a moment of stillness, you deserve care and support too.
Classes
Breath work
Breath work is a gentle mindfulness practice that can help you to find moments of calm. By tuning into your breath, you can help soothe your nervous system, release tension and create a few moments of relaxation for yourself. These short classes are created to be flexible, allowing you to breath at your own pace and comfort level. No equipment is needed, all you need to do is find a quiet space and take a few moments to breathe.
A gentle breathing practice to help you notice your body and your breath. This class encourages calm and soft control of your breath, helping you feel more present and comfortable.
A calming practice to help release tension in your body. Using slow, gentle breaths, you’ll notice areas of tightness and soften them, helping your body feel more relaxed.
A grounding breathing practice to help you feel more supported. Focus on gentle breaths and the feeling of your body being fully held, bringing a sense of steadiness and comfort.
A gentle practice to bring balance and calm through side-to-side breath awareness. Imagine your breath moving from left to right, helping your body feel steady and at ease.
Chair Yoga
Chair yoga offers a gentle, accessible way to move, stretch and connect with yourself, using a chair for support. These classes are an invitation to explore movement in a way that feels comfortable for you and there’s no right or wrong way to move. You are encouraged to listen to your body, make choices that feel most comfortable for you, pause when needed or stepping away at any time. All you need is a chair and enough room to reach your arms and legs out.
This 10-minute chair yoga class invites gentle movement and stretches through the upper body by twisting from side to side. Move in ways that feel comfortable for you, resting and taking breaks as needed.
MEDITATION
Meditation can offer a gentle space to pause, reconnect and find a sense of steadiness in the present moment. These practices are an invitation to explore mindfulness in a way that feels supportive for you, there is no right or wrong way to do these classes. You are in control of your meditation experience and your are more than welcome to move in any way you wish or end the class at any time.
10-Minute Meditation: This meditation invites you to settle into the present, noticing the sensations of your body and breath without judgment. It offers a gentle space to reconnect with your body and pause in the here and now.
15-Minute Meditation: This meditation guides you through a scan of the body to invite more softness and relaxation into areas of tension. It offers the opportunity to release the weight of the day and find ease in both body and mind, by noticing what you are feeling in your body.
15-Minute Meditation: This meditation invites you to pay gentle attention to your body and the world around you. You will notice how your body feels and what is happening around you. It can help you feel a little steadier and more settled.
20-Minute Meditation: A simple meditation to help you feel calmer. You will be invited to notice your body, your breathing and the things around you. This can help your mind slow down and help you to feel more steady.
20-Minute Meditation: A gentle meditation that guides you to notice different parts of your body. You will heard supportive words to help your body relax and feel more comfortable.
35-Minute Meditation: In this meditation, you will be invited to lie down and rest while being guided to notice your body, breathing, and calming images. Many people may drift off to sleep, and that is completely okay. This can give your body and mind a deep rest, a peaceful break and a chance to let go of stress
Contact
mjwforhealthcare@gmail.com