The Five-Finger Exercise The 5-finger exercise is helpful for relaxation and calming your system. It does not take long, but can help you feel much more peaceful and relaxed and help you feel better about yourself. Try it any time you feel tension. What are the steps to the 5-finger exercise? On one hand, touch your thumb to your index finger. Think back to a time you felt tired after exercise or some other fun physical activity. Touch your thumb to your middle finger. Go back to a time when you had a loving experience. You might recall a loving day with your family or a good friend, a warm hug from a parent or a time you had a really good conversation with someone. Touch your thumb to your ring finger. Remember the nicest compliment anyone ever gave you. Try to accept it now fully. When you do this, you are showing respect for the person who said it. You are really paying them a compliment in return. Touch your thumb to your little finger. Go back in your mind to the most beautiful and relaxing place you have ever been. Spend some time thinking of being there. To Learn More Free Interpreter Services • Adolescent Medicine • In the hospital, ask your nurse. 206-987-2028 • From outside the hospital, call the toll-free Family Interpreting Line, • Ask your healthcare provider 1-866-583-1527. Tell the interpreter • seattlechildrens.org the name or extension you need. Seattle Children’s offers interpreter services for Deaf, hard of hearing or non-English speaking patients, family members and legal representatives free of charge. Seattle Children’s will make this information available in alternate formats upon request. Call the 12/18 Family Resource Center at 206-987-2201. This handout has been reviewed by clinical staff at Seattle Children’s. However, your child’s needs are unique. Before you act or rely upon this information, please talk with your child’s healthcare provider. PE2260 © 2018 Seattle Children’s, Seattle, Washington. All rights reserved. Patient and Family Education / Adolescent Medicine 1 of 1 .