STRESS AWARENESS: MANAGING STILLNESS

Are stillness and silence among everyday noise the avenue to stress management?

While stress is often seen as a lack of selfcare, it is a common and unavoidable part of life. Managing stress effectively requires a proactive approach that enables each individual to be aware of the triggers, and ways to cope with them. The reality is that no one is usually prepared for the events that lead to mental and emotional stressors, yet much can be done to manage these events effectively. There are several approaches for managing stress, yet every individual is unique as much as the situation that causes the event(s).

To control/manage stress the approaches can be either of the following:

• The 5C approach which forms the basis for emotional health through, Connection, Coping, Calmness, Care, and Compassion. Observing the incorporation of these components in daily life’s routine can create a sustainable plan for optimal planning for stress management, enhanced relationships, growth and empowerment.
• The 5A Approach which presents a management framework to Avoid, Alter, Adapt, Accept, and become Active in one’s physical routine to assist in the reduction of stress.
• The 7 Steps approach includes getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting enough rest/sleep, practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation, establishing a connectivity network for social interactions, making time for hobbies, establishing a plan that allows for taking control by breaking down and manage problems in smaller increments.
• Other approaches: The 3-3-3 Rule, the 5-5-5 Rule, the 5-5-7 Stress-relieving exercise.
• Managing stressors via the 4C’s of anxiety: confidence, control, commitment, concentration.

https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/stress/stress-management   

https://mentalhealth.cornell.edu/self-care/stress-management-strategies