Stress Management

Brief Introduction to Stress Management

Key Principles of low stress lifestyle
Three basic anti-stress skills
Wellness Triad
Resources

Being in the military or part of a military family will be stressful at times. You may be tempted to use unhealthy coping mechanisms but there are better options. You are not alone. There is help and hope available to you.

Harmful Forms of Escape

Alcohol abuse.
Eating frequently or eating junk foods.
Smoking.
Excessive drinking coffee, or caffeinated drinks.
Drug abuse, including marijuana and others

Misusing prescription drugs/sleeping pills
Using patent medicines to suppress specific symptoms.
Withdrawing psychologically or emotionally
Exhibiting self-destructive behavior.
Lashing out at others.

First key – Low-stress lifestyle = Balance

Work and play / Exercise and rest
Challenge and ease / Stress and relaxation
Striving and taking it easy
Companionship and solitude
Discipline and self-indulgence

Second Low-stress life style key – Adaptation

Taking things in stride
Observing what is happening
Reacting strategically and maturely
Letting provocations go

Anti-stress skills

Physical relaxation
Self-management:
     – Responding to provocative with calm and balance.
Life-style management:
     – Continually assessing balance of stresses and rewards

Physical relaxation methods

Self-monitoring
Deep relaxation techniques
Momentary relaxation – Taking a few seconds

Quick recovery
Rethinking – Replacing negative outlook with positive
Thought-stopping and mental diversion
Rehearsal Mentally for upcoming stressful event

Wellness Triad

Maintain stress level within a comfortable zone
Relaxation: sleep, deep relaxation, hobbies, etc.
Exercise: aerobic exercises
Diet: a balanced diet without drugs

Holistic Lifestyle

Job/Financial status
Educationally or culturally rewarding activities
Creative activities (such as hobbies)
Social relationships / Physical health
Spiritual life

Spiritual Life

Nurture faith to help maintain your stress level
Strong, religious faith can be a powerful resource
Faith as a central part of daily living.
Pay attention to your faith and grow it
It is a source of strength
Spiritual Communities

Team Effort

The Religious Support Team reaches out to high-risk
– The wounded/grieving/battle-fatigued
– New Soldier / Soldier returning from combat
– Soldier experiencing significant difficulties
Soldiers experiencing these situations seek the Religious Support Team

Resilient Strategies

Talking to others/Support groups
Exercise/Sports
Writing/journaling
Hobbies
Volunteering

Where to Get Help

Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Additional Suicide Prevention Resources
Military One Source: 1-800-342-9647
Unit Ministry Teams/Chaplains
Behavioral Health
Chain of Command
Police/911
Hospital/Emergency Room
Family Readiness

Pennsylvania National Guard Family Assistance Centers

New Jersey National Guard Family Assistance Centers

New York National Guard Family Assistance Centers

Virginia National Guard Family Assistance Centers

military.com Guard and Reserve Family Support Services

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