In a busy residential home, finding time to help residents relax is crucial. Meditation is a great way to reduce stress levels and has been shown to benefit health and memory recall, especially for those with early-stage dementia. Here’s how you can create a relaxing meditation space:

You’ll need:
1. A quiet room without distractions
2. Relaxing music or sounds, such as waves lapping on a beach
3. Scent sprays or an atomizer with lavender, lemon, jasmine, cinnamon, or ocean scents
4. A table with a plant as a centerpiece

The activity:
1. Spray the room with scent or turn on the atomizer before the session to set the mood
2. Have the person take off their shoes and wear comfortable clothing
3. Encourage them to get comfortable with cushions and blankets if needed
4. Dim the lights and play music softly

Meditation instructions (with a beach theme):
1. Suggest closing their eyes, or looking at the plant if they prefer to keep them open
2. Take five slow breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth
3. Place one hand on their stomach or chest and repeat five more slow breaths
4. Concentrate on breathing, feeling the air move in and out
5. Visualize a relaxing place, such as a beach
6. If you have sounds of the sea, guide the meditation using the following steps:

• "Listen to the sounds of the waves as they gently wash over the beach."
• "Imagine you are walking barefoot along the warm sandy beach."
• "Feel the sand between your toes."
• "Enjoy the water gently lapping at your feet, feeling it move to and fro, enjoying its coolness and the foam bubbles caressing your toes."
• "Now imagine you are sitting on the sand and can feel the warmth of the sun on your face."
• "Imagine that you reach down and run your hands back and forth over the fine grains of sand, picking some up and letting them gently fall through your fingers."
• "It’s time to stand up and head back up the sandy beach, continuing to enjoy the last moments of the sand between your toes."

7. Bring attention back to breathing
8. Take five slow breaths again
9. Sit quietly and enjoy the music
10. Gradually lower the volume until the music is off
11. Lightly touch each person's hand
12. Gradually bring the lights back up

You can create other relaxing scenes, such as a warm fire indoors or a stroll in a garden or forest. Use Active Minds Sensory Scene Sprays and CDs to enhance the experience. Take time to help residents relax and reduce stress.