Tips for Managing Challenging Events
- Alternating physical activity and relaxation may help alleviate some of your physical reactions to stressful events. Exercise in accordance to what your doctor would advise. Note – integrating regular exercise into your daily activities is a wonderful way to manage stress and stay healthy.
- Eat regular meals, get adequate sleep, and avoid caffeine and sugar
- Structure your time, keep busy, and keep your life as normal as possible.
- Remember you’re normal and having normal reactions to the event.
- Talk to people – talk is the most healing medicine.
- Spend time with others.
- Be aware and avoid attempts to numb the feelings or deal with your stress through the use of drugs or alcohol.
- Reach out to others. Spend your time with people you trust.
- Help your peers by sharing feelings and checking out how they are doing.
- Realize those around you are under stress.
- Give yourself permission to feel rotten, and talk about your feelings with others while also being sensitive to the confidentiality of the situation.
- Keep a journal and “write your way through” those sleepless hours.
- Do things that make you feel good.
- Don’t make any big life changes until you have had time to reflect on the situation and consult with others.
- Do make as many daily decisions as possible - it will help you feel in control.
If you'd like to talk to a counselor, don't hesitate to set up an appointment.