Ways to Manage Stress

Critical incident stress cannot be prevented,
but it can be managed.

Breathe. Eat. Sleep

Breathe - deep breathing is very effective in reducing stress and anxiety.
Eat well - balanced and regular meals.
Get plenty of rest
Be active - stretching, walking and appropriate exercise assists in burning of stress. Movement and exercise also promote deep breathing, distraction and may improve sleep.
Pace yourself - take things one at a time. Be realistic in expectations of yourself and others.
Keep your life as routine as possible. Don’t make any significant life changes or decisions.
Monitor your physical and emotional symptoms and seek medical assessment/ treatment if needed.

Structure your time.
Take time to relax and do activities you enjoy.
Realize that recurring thoughts and recollections of the incident, dreams and flashbacks are a normal part of coping that will most likely decrease and become less difficult over time.
Permit yourself to react.
Communicate and connect with other - utilize a support system of caring family, friends, peers and professionals.
remind and reassure yourself that you are having normal reactions to a stressful incident.
Make as many daily decisions as possible to promote a sense of control.