Have you been feeling short tempered lately?

Unable to focus on the things you actually care about?

Not sleeping well at night?

Feel as if you ran a mile when all you have done is sit in front of a computer all day?

STOP...BREATHE...CHECK-IN

This curriculum is created to help bring self-awareness to what you may have already known for far too long; you're stressed. The bigger problem is that you don't know how to fix it. 

FIRST THINGS FIRST

Follow the link below to take you to a stress test and see where you rank from moderate to severe in your level of stress. Then continue through the curriculum on tips and tricks to help you navigate ways to bring you back to a better functioning and happier version of yourself. 

Check your stress >>HERE<<

FIRST: SELF-AWARENESS

When we feel stressed, it's important to take a step back and assess the situation. One of the first things to do is to check in and notice what is on our to-do list. Sometimes, we may have overloaded ourselves with tasks and responsibilities, causing unnecessary stress. In these instances, it's important to identify tasks that can be dropped or delegated to others. By doing so, we can alleviate some of the pressure and create space for self-care and relaxation.

Next, it's crucial to identify the triggers in our lives that make us feel stressed. These triggers can vary from person to person, but common examples include deadlines, conflict, or even certain environments. Once we've identified our triggers, we can start finding ways to resolve or manage them. One approach is to try and remove the triggers from our lives completely. For instance, if a certain person causes a significant amount of stress, it may be necessary to limit contact with them or address the issue directly.

However, removing triggers may not always be possible. In such cases, finding coping mechanisms can be extremely helpful. Coping mechanisms are strategies or techniques that we can use in the moment to reduce stress and calm ourselves down. These can vary from person to person and may include activities like deep breathing, meditation, exercise, or even listening to calming music. The important thing is to find what works best for us and to have a toolkit of coping mechanisms readily available for when we need them.

SECOND: AWARENESS TO OTHERS

Stress

Stress isn't just something that happens to us. It happens to everyone. In our interactions with others, it's important to be mindful of their level of stress. One way to gauge this is by paying attention to their tone of voice. When someone is feeling overwhelmed or stressed, their voice may become tense or strained. They may speak faster or louder than usual, or their voice may lack its usual energy and enthusiasm. For example, imagine you are working with a fellow camp counselor who is normally outgoing and vibrant. However, during a particularly busy day at camp, you notice that their tone of voice has become monotonous and flat. This could be a sign that they are feeling overwhelmed and stressed. By being aware of these cues, you can approach them with empathy and offer support or help if needed.

Body Language

Another way to recognize stress in others is through their body language. When someone is feeling overwhelmed, their body may exhibit signs of tension and discomfort. They may have a furrowed brow, tight jaw, or clenched fists. They may also exhibit restless behaviors such as fidgeting, tapping their feet, or pacing back and forth. Let's say you are in a team meeting discussing a new activity for the campers. As the discussion becomes more heated and intense, you notice that one of your co-workers starts to cross their arms, avoiding eye contact, and tapping their foot nervously. These could be indications that they are feeling stressed or anxious about the situation. Recognizing these non-verbal cues allows you to approach them with understanding and create a more supportive environment.

Words

Lastly, paying attention to what someone is saying can be a strong indicator of their stress levels. When individuals are feeling overwhelmed, their comments or questions may reflect their emotional state. They may voice concerns, express frustrations, or ask for help in a more direct manner. For instance, if you are working with a group of campers and one of them continuously asks questions about the rules, safety procedures, and the camp schedule, it could be a sign that they are feeling anxious and uncertain. By actively listening to what someone is saying, you can pick up on these cues and respond with empathy and assistance. Understanding their stress can help you create a more supportive and inclusive environment for everyone involved.

WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?

Another suggested reading of ours is, What happened to you?, by Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce D. Perry. This book gives a little background on the impact that a child's surroundings and experiences has on his/her mental and cognitive development. By better understanding this, we are able to be mindful of how to use the tips and tricks of yoga to create a program that can truly benefit a struggling child.

En Lou of time, watch the interview of Dr. Perry below and give a quick review of your thoughts on what he covered. Would love to hear your feedback.