Chanting the words "SpongeBob, SpongeBob, SpongeBob" may make some giggle rather than relax, but for patients on Child/Adolescent Mental Health Unit 4A, the calming meditation technique is part of a newly developed exercise and movement program designed to benefit the mind and the body.

"Since starting the program this winter, the kids are exposed to some sort of exercise, movement or yoga everyday," says Mary Ann Slavin, Unit 4A nurse manager. "The kids love it—they are in better physical shape and are also happier and more relaxed," she says.

Susan Heitzman, clinical nurse specialist, Child/Adolescent Behavioral Services, and Laurie Schlosser, Unit 4A child and family psychotherapist, collaborated to initiate a yoga program on 4A as a way to reduce patients’ levels of agitation.

"Exercise is associated with an enhanced sense of well being, decreased levels of agitation and improvements in mood, stress tolerance and sleep," says Heitzman. "Research also indicates that children secrete growth hormone while they exercise, so your mother’s advice to ‘get outside and play’ is now supported in the literature."

And the program’s success in improving patients’ moods and anxiety levels translated into yet another benefit: a 42 percent reduction in the incidence of restraint and seclusion on the unit.

"Incorporating exercise into our programming is resulting in better experiences for our patients," says Heitzman.

The yoga program incorporates both mental relaxation and physical movement. The department purchased yoga mats, cards and videos to teach the children a variety of simple yoga positions.

"Deep-breathing techniques help calm the body," says Schlosser. "We ask the kids how their bodies and muscles feel during the movements to teach them body awareness and strategies for getting that calm feeling." During meditation, kids choose their own words or phrases and concentrate on them, diverting their focus from whatever might make them nervous or worried, she says.

"Some of the kids loved the yoga but, for others, it was more of a challenge to sit still. So, with help from several skilled psych associates, RNs and therapists, we broadened the program to include a variety of movement and exercise experiences," Heitzman says. Program activities now include outdoor play, swimming, dance and indoor games and activities on the unit.

"Going to the playground and swimming pool are strong motivators for the patients to meet behavioral expectations," says Slavin. In addition, the unit has more successful bedtimes when the kids are able to exercise and calm themselves, she says.

"In our society where kids are so sedentary, and especially on this unit where the kids are inside, having them move and get out those difficult feelings can help them release energy," says Schlosser.