Stress Management Tips
Insight from one of our exceptional therapists, Kristin Froehlich, on the subject of the [current] Political Election and, in her words, "strategies to use that can help us stay calm, embodied, and connected to our strengths during these turbulent times. These strategies can help no matter what you value and how you vote. They are not in any particular order. The ones I've chosen have messages that are specific to managing fear and stress, and holding onto courage, hope, and self."
You can use these strategies now in the future to cope with stressors in your life.
•Seek Safety Cues - that includes comfort, familiar, predictable, kind, caring, rhythmic, connected, beautiful, hopeful.
•Limit Hyper-focus on Danger Cues. Staying focused on the danger only helps if we are able to think and problem-solve.
•Join with others - being with others helps us to feel safer. Also, some in the group are likely to be able to stay calm and that helps everyone.
•Recognize the difference between imminent danger, non-imminent danger, and discomfort.
•Pause, Breathe, Think
•Self-talk - keep calm, hopeful, present moment, avoid catastrophizing and dehumanizing language.
•Return to your body - your body can be a source of calm and a source of strength and action.•When you feel fear, sink out of your thoughts and into your body. Observe your body. Describe what you feel. Notice the changes.
•Stay present - your best chance of staying calm is in the present moment
•Ground yourself - Feel your feet on the ground, connect with your five senses, connect with nature
•Staying calm and thinking is the best way to stay connected with the strengths we do have.
•Remember that there will always be some people who will be able to stay calm, think, and look for solutions. The best chance of positive change is being thoughtful and strategic.
•Remember that every person has some power - some will think, some will act, some will speak, some will write, some will heal, some will march, some will speak truth to power, some will help others stay calm, some will lead, some will stay hopeful, some will create, some will educate, some will care for others. Don't worry about doing everything. Just do one thing.
•Remember that terrible times have happened in the past. This is not new. The human race has survived.
•Ask what version of yourself do you want to bring to these turbulent times. When were you that version of yourself? What strengths do you have that can help bring that version of yourself forward?
•Be patient and compassionate with yourself and others as best you can. Remember that we are all human.
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