DISCOVER The Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department
January 2025
Ringing in the New Year with Tools for Wellness The new year often brings with it resolutions for better health for the mind and body. For many, the focus for 2025 in achieving improved overall well-being will be on self-care.
Jacob Lieser and Archimedes Bibiano met at the KZTV Studio to talk about how the theme 'Patience Through the Storm' originated from Jacob's experience at the hospital.
In a hospital, patient and family well-being is the focus, but research shows that a healthcare provider’s own health is closely linked to the quality of care they can offer. When healthcare workers prioritize their physical and mental health, they can provide more compassionate, high-quality care. Well-being practices take a holistic approach to maintaining health, encouraging individuals to care for themselves like they would a plant. “As a Mindfulness Meditation and Awareness Training Teacher, I have the privilege of supporting patients, families, and healthcare professionals through mindfulness-based interventions,” stated Archimedes Bibiano, a member of the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy team.
Recently, Archimedes worked with a young patient, Jacob Lieser, who was unexpectedly hospitalized while traveling abroad. This caused significant stress and anxiety for him and his family, along with physical discomfort. Archimedes and Jacob practiced mindfulness techniques, like breath awareness and explored the connection between emotions, thoughts and bodily sensations. With time and practice, Jacob’s health improved rapidly. Although he was initially disappointed by weight loss and muscle loss, he soon felt much better. Months later, Jacob shared that he won a school essay competition by writing about his journey from illness to health, and how mindfulness helped him regulate his emotions. He had regained his muscle mass and was excited to start college. Jacob also contributed as a guest editor for Reflections, the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Department’s teen literary magazine, sharing his experiences and inspiring others with the theme “Patience Through the Storm.” Jacob’s mother, a former clinician, was so inspired by the positive impact mindfulness and meditation had on her son’s physical, mental and emotional well-being that she decided to return to her own yoga practice. She had previously studied yoga and even earned her certification to teach. During a conversation with Jacob and his mother, Archimedes took a moment to jot down some helpful tips for encouraging healthcare workers to practice mindfulness in the workplace. Self-care is something everyone can incorporate into their routine. Simple practices like getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, taking breaks, practicing mindfulness, staying connected with loved ones, managing stress, pursuing hobbies, seeking support when needed, eating well and making time for relaxation all contribute to overall well-being. For healthcare workers, prioritizing both mental and physical health is essential for preventing burnout and maintaining a healthy work-life balance in addition to improving quality of care to patients and families. Mindfulness-On-The-Go: Here are some simple mindfulness practices that anyone can practice to stay grounded. Practice the PAUSE: Take just 45 seconds to pause and reconnect with your body and mind. Research shows that this brief pause helps workers become more present in the moment and better able to manage stress. It’s a great tool for when you’re feeling overwhelmed or need a quick reset. Breathe intentionally: Along with the pause, it’s important to breathe mindfully. The 4-7-8 technique is one option: inhale for 4 counts, hold for 7 counts, and exhale for 8 counts. Box breathing is a similar method, but with equal counts for each breath cycle - 4 counts for inhale, hold, and exhale. Gentle stretches: Stretching is a great way to reconnect with your body. Small, gentle stretches during any time of the day can help with stress.
Archimedes collaborates with staff system-wide to inform everyone about the benefits of mindfulness and the access to services in the hospital. Here, he is co-hosting a KZTV show with Chaplain Olive Loew from the Department of Spiritual Care and Education. LB 2019
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