Tips for Stress Reduction & Well-Balanced Living
Update: A Short Guide to Non-anxious Presence amidst a Pandemic
“Don’t turn to quick fixes the next time you feel stressed. Turn to activities that actually reduce the levels of stress hormones in your body, like: exercising, reading, listening to music, spending time with friends and family, getting a massage, going for a nature walk, meditating, spending time on a creative hobby, and praying.”
“Nine of the least effective ways people usually deal with stress: gambling, shopping, smoking, drinking, eating, playing video games, surfing the Internet, and watching TV and movies for more than two hours.” ~Chris Bailey (source)
Online Resources Dealing with Mental Health:
- Stress Assessment
- Stress Management
- Anxiety (Signs, Symptoms & Self Assessment Guide)
- How to Stop Worrying
- Depression (Signs, Symptoms & Self Assessment Guide)
- Suicide Prevention
- Eating disorders, ADHD, PTSD, and More
- Pray as you Go (Free App)
Stretching Videos to Help You Relax:
A Guide to Social Media and Internet Use:
- Only take in what I can integrate and process.
- What is my purpose at this site?
- Be authentic. Have healthy boundaries. Be fair.
- Remember – just because their post looks wonderful, does not mean they have a perfect life and I don’t.
- Does my time here restore me and provide meaning, or am I numbing out or avoiding other tasks?
- Am I honoring God, myself and others in this space?
- Help protect kids online: NetSmartzKids, Fight the New Drug, Protect Young Eyes
Trauma-Informed Community
The following section provides information and links for those who are dealing with trauma in their own lives or in a community where others have experienced trauma.
Become Knowledgeable About Trauma:
- What does trauma do to the brain and the body?
- What are common responses to high stress or trauma?
- Trauma awareness, resilience, and healing
- How can my congregation become trauma informed?
Relate in Ways That Reduce Risk of Retraumatization:
- Safety
- Trustworthiness and transparency
- Peer support
- Collaboration and mutuality
- Empowerment, voice, and choice
- Cultural, historical, and gender issues
Childhood Trauma Survivors:
ACE Score (Adverse Childhood Experiences) is a helpful tool to recognize childhood trauma. The higher the score the more risk of adult distresses such as depression, heart disease or headaches. However, resiliency factors and healing increase wellness. In fact, if there is ONE caring safe relationship a child has a much better chance for a healthy life. Take the ACE quiz to find your score and learn more here.
Your Dean of Students:
Your Dean of Students, Janet Stauffer, is available to chat with you about stressors, decisions, struggles, balancing life’s competing needs, spiritual or mental health concerns. She also has a list of spiritual directors and therapists who can be resources to students. Feel free to contact her at jstauffer@evangelical.edu.
The links and information on these pages are intended as a resource, not a substitute for medical evaluation and treatment. When you or someone you know is in an emergency situation call your Crisis Intervention Agency or go to the nearest hospital emergency room for evaluation and treatment.