RESOURCES
The links below are websites and applications you can utilize daily to actively reduce your stress. This, in turn, decreases your cortisol levels and boosts your immunity.
Emergency Services
Know your local emergency services; if you are experiencing life threatening situations such as Domestic Violence, Suicidal or Homicidal Thoughts below are resources.
Domestic Violence Support Hotline call 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - text 988 or call 1-800-SUICIDE -- 24-hour suicide prevention line that can be called from anywhere in the U.S.
Police - Emergency call 911
Stress Reduction
During this time, how we manage our stressors will be important to sustaining our capacities to overcome struggles and adapt quickly. The successful management of stress allows us to be there for others when they need us. Practicing one skill every day will help you to build mastery. Science has proven that meditation, mindfulness and breathing exercises reduce our stress levels (cortisol) dramatically. Two specific breathing exercises I recommend are: Pranayama Breathing (found in 3 Minute Mindfulness App) and Quick Coherence (Found at Heart Math). The following are individual coping skills for you:
Couples & Relationships
As our routines are disrupted and unmanaged stress elevates, we struggle with the change and our most important relationships can become a source of stress. Science has proven we boost our immune systems when our relationships are a source of safety and support.
Gottman How to Stress Reducing Conversations
Individual
We each respond differently to extraordinary circumstances. Maintaining a healthy schedule, exercise, nutrition, mental health and relationships are now more critical than ever. Focusing on positive self-care and recognizing the positive outcomes will keep your immune system healthy and you productive. One of our survival strategies is to recognize threats quickly, which is a good thing; and we need to ensure we are disciplined in seeing the safe, healthy, good to keep us optimal.
NY Times - Midlife Wellness Tuneup
15 Common Cognitive Distortions
The Empath’s Survival Guide Book
Parenting and Family
Many parents are now being thrust into new roles and responsibilities beyond being parents. Remember, first and foremost, you are a parent. You are not trained as a teacher and no one expects you to become one overnight. It is critical to prioritize your connection with your children over their academic performance. Try to maintain sleep, hygiene, exercise and nutrition; you do not have to be perfect and do try to maintain their structures. Kids need structure and connection to feel safe in the world.
Curiosity Openness Acceptance & Love
Family Simple Rituals To Strengthen
Trauma
If you have a trauma history, the present circumstances may have you responding with overwhelming anxiety or feeling numb. All of the above resources will support you and in addition, you may find the following resources helpful.
Dr. Gabor Mate - Why We Get Sick - Dr. Gabor Mate – Why We Get Sick
Lifestyle
Maintaining exercise & nutrition is critical to staying positive, calm and productive.
Online Support Groups
Many Community Support Groups have moved online and are still available to you. A great way to stay socially and emotionally connected.
AA Online Meetings in Sandpoint, Idaho
Podcasts
If you are into Podcasts, here are three I recommend.
Kristen Allott - Optimizing Brains
Videos
Nourishing our Roots is a two hour seminar that includes an overview of human stress responses, techniques to manage ourselves more effectively, and a question/answer session to personalize the experience. The presentation will include an examination of stress and trauma science in current research, a brief overview of collective stress response in humans, an introduction to several simple modern technologies and applications for stress mitigation, an introduction to two simple HeartMath stress management techniques live on technology, and an introduction to quick stress relief available through Brainspotting psychotherapy. Steve Sawyer is the clinical director and co-founder of New Vision Wilderness.