Combat Stress With Decompression Spaces Created At AAMC

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Studies have shown that people with anxiety or who find themselves in high-anxiety environments cope better when they have relaxing spaces that allow them to decompress. Anne Arundel Medical Center has adopted this premise and created permanent decompression spaces for its medical professionals to use during the stressful coronavirus pandemic.

According to hospital officials, decompression spaces have been created in the past on units to help staff after a traumatic event unfolded. The need was recognized to make them more permanent. The decompression spaces used today as part of Project Exhale are positioned in high traffic areas so staff can easily access them.

They are more typically utilized during lunchtime when employees need some peace in the middle of their day. While the spaces were created for all employees, hospital officials environmental services staff and clinical/physician teams using these spaces.

"People tend to think that the best work is done by dogged persistence. But, in fact, the best work is done when we take time to rest. Even as few as five minutes can help someone be more focused and refreshed. In times like these, where our minds are so full, we need a space to decompress. By providing our employees with spaces to decompress and intentionally practice relaxing deep breathing, this helps us to remain intentional and conscious about the way we treat patients and colleagues," Anne Gotimer, manager of well-being and engagement with Luminis Health, told Patch.

These peaceful places were created through the generosity of donor contributions.