Question

Develop or create a patient teaching handout about stress

Answer 1

Ans) The best ways to manage stress in hard times are through self-care:

1) Avoid drugs and alcohol:

- They may seem to be a temporary fix to feel better, but in the long run drugs and alcohol can create more problems and add to your stress—instead of taking it away.

2) Find support:

- Seek help from a partner, family member, friend, counselor, doctor, or clergyperson.

- Having someone with a sympathetic, listening ear and sharing about your problems and stress really can lighten the burden.

3) Connect socially:

- After a stressful event, it is easy isolate yourself. Make sure that you are spending time with loved ones.

- Consider planning fun activities with your partner, children, or friends.

4) Take care of yourself:
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
- Exercise regularly
- Get plenty of sleep
- Give yourself a break if you feel stressed out—for example, treat yourself to a therapeutic massage
- Maintain a normal routine

5) Stay active:

- You can take your mind off your problems with activities like helping a neighbor, volunteering in the community, and taking the dog on a long walk. These can be positive ways to cope with stressful feelings.