De-stress for your health
Stress is part of everyday life, but the circumstances we are living through have caused unprecedented stress, and this can impact every part of people’s lives—including the ability to accomplish basic tasks, maintain relationships, and even perform physical tasks. The level of stress affecting people across the country is evident in some simple facts:*
- 61% of adults report experiencing undesired weight changes since the start of the pandemic, with more than two in five saying they gained more weight than they intended.
- Two in three people say they are sleeping more or less than they wanted to since the pandemic started.
- Nearly half of people surveyed say they delayed or canceled health care services since the pandemic started.
The American Psychological Association has developed five quick, action-oriented things to help people begin to manage the excessive stress many are currently living with. The tips also provide a brief explanation of the science behind them.
If you need professional help managing your stress, Dallas ISD provides all employees access to the Employee Assistance Program.
Calm yourself
Slowly breathe in and count to four, hold it while counting to four, and then breathe out for a count of six. Repeat 10 times.
Why it works: Slowing our breathing allows our bodies to recalibrate and lowers levels of physiological arousal.
Focus yourself
Slow your racing thoughts by counting backwards by three in your mind from 100 (100, 97, 94, etc.).
Why it works: Focusing on with structure and engaging your brain in a distracting task can disrupt unhelpful patterns.
Relax yourself
One by one, tense each muscle group in your body for 10 seconds and then release. Notice how it feels to let your muscles relax and have the tension leave your body.
Why it works: Actively relaxing our muscles can increase energy and flexibility, helping us feel calmer.
Ground yourself
Do a quick scan of your body and notice the air around you and any surfaces you are touching. If possible, close your eyes and focus on the sensations, textures, and temperatures.
Why it works: Focusing on our physical surroundings helps us become more attuned to details and make more balanced assessments of our environments.
Celebrate yourself
You are dealing with huge challenges. Think about three things that went well today. If they involved another person, recognize and thank them whenever possible.
Why it works: Slowing down to recognize even small successes can increase our sense of control over our environment and help us help others more effectively.
Download and print a card to remind you of these activities to destress.
The Employee Assistance Program
Dallas ISD’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) by LifeWorks is a confidential and secure service that offers help with personal and work-related issues. The EAP encourages employees and those close to them to seek help early before a minor problem becomes more serious. The EAP is designed to address short-term issues, identify resources and referrals for emergency and long-term issues. The EAP can provide support, referrals and, resources related to many issues like depression, conflict at work, anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse, adoption issue, grief and loss and many other issues.
With EAP, there is no contribution that staff need to provide. Counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Reach out to LifeWorks at (972) 925-4000 or visit www.dallasisd.org/benefits and click on Benefits Resources to access online EAP information.
*Source: American Psychological Association https://www.apa.org/about
