Importance of Stress Management:

The body's stress-response system is usually self-limiting. Once a perceived threat has passed, hormone levels return to normal. As adrenaline and cortisol levels drop, your heart rate and blood pressure return to baseline levels, and other systems resume their regular activities.
But when stressors are always present and you constantly feel under attack, that fight-or-flight reaction stays turned on.

The long-term activation of the stress-response system — and the subsequent overexposure to cortisol and other stress hormones — can disrupt almost all your body's processes. This puts you at increased risk of numerous health problems, including:
Anxiety, Depression, Digestive problems, Headaches, Heart disease, Sleep problems, Weight gain, Memory and concentration impairment

That's why it's so important to learn healthy ways to cope with the stressors in your life!

Stressful events are a fact of life. And you may not be able to change your current situation. But you can take steps to manage the impact these events have on you.
You can learn to identify what stresses you and how to take care of yourself physically and emotionally in the face of stressful situations.

Four Steps:

Learn to listen to your body
- Exercise: even just taking short walks in the morning/evening
- No caffeine at night!
- Limit exposure to bright light at night: Turn off the screens and wind down for several minutes before bedtime
- Limit distractions before bed: use white noise, ear plugs, silencing your phone
- Take naps: If work cuts your sleep hours short, napping can reduce sleepiness and prevent a sleep deficit
Learn to Recognize Stressful Thinking
- Mindfulness practices: body scans, mandalas, journaling
- Meditation: like guided imagery
Learn to relax
- Practice any of our activities from the Mindfulness Kit!
- Yoga: try “Legs Up a Wall”
- Listen to relaxing music
Have fun!
- Social Connectivity: Join one of our Parent Connection Groups!
- Laughter: watch comedy specials or silly animal videos!
- Develop a hobby: take care of a plant, learn to make cards at our upcoming event!
- Spend time outdoors: eating breakfast outside, take a walk