It is possible to reduce your stress, even in the midst of chaos. Practicing these techniques, at less stressful times, will make them more effective when you need them most. Some will become second nature, if you use them regularly. Others you may already be doing, without even realizing it.
Awareness
Take a ‘stress reading’ for yourself several times a day. When you become really stressed, it is helpful to notice what causes it and how you react to it. This kind of information is a starting place for stress management. Is your stress:
Low Moderate High
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Breathing
Take 3 or 4 deep, calming breaths several times during the day. The increased amount of oxygen tells
your body that it is not under threat and can, therefore, relax. Your body cannot produce oxygen on
its own, but need it to function. We need to take it in.
Physical Exercise
Any form of exercise is good. A brisk walk is excellent for your health and your stress level, Exercise
helps your body release the adrenaline stored in your muscles.
Nutrition
Choose a balanced diet. Pay attention if you seem to want a particular kind of food; your body can tell
you what it needs. Avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate), sugar alcohol and food additives. These can
stress your body more.
Be Gentle with Yourself
Take time for you: alone and with others who are supportive. Don’t expect perfection.
Change Thought Patterns
When you become aware of fears and worries, it helps to stop the negative thoughts by substituting a
more helpful or positive statement. For example, “I don’t know what I’ll do if he gets sick in the middle
of the night” could be changed to “ I do know what to do. I will call the emergency number listed at the
front of this binder”.
Deep Relaxation
Listening to relaxation tapes, meditating, doing muscle relaxation and visualization are all useful ways
to reduce stress. Counsellors are available to teach you any of these techniques and to recommend
other resources.
Quick Relaxation
This technique can have the same physical impact as a 15-minute relaxation. It is designed to keep
your tension and stress level from building up and has a quieting effect.
Step 1 Become aware of the stress in your body
Step 2 Take a slow, deep breath
Step 3 On the out-breath; allow your shoulders, jaw and face muscles to go limp
Step 4 Give yourself a positive suggestion (e.g. I am becoming more and more relaxed)
Step 5 Think of a special place, where you feel safe and comfortable
Step 6 Repeat the breath several times: breathe in relaxation, breathe out tension
Step 7 Smile inwardly. Notice the difference
Step 8 Resume normal activity
This technique allows you to slow down. In the beginning, practice this Quick Relaxation 4 or 5 times
each day. Eventually it will become second nature.