Managing the Stress of CMS

Emotional:

• Express feelings and memories by writing in journals or letters or use creative expression such as drawing, painting, sculpting, quilting, singing, dancing, etc.
• Remember to use your sense of humor; know it's okay to laugh.
• Give someone a hug; touching is very important.
• Accept support from loved ones, friends, and neighbors.

Physical:

• Ensure that you are eating well-balanced and nutritious meals.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid caffeine, sugar, or nicotine.
• Avoid alcohol and non-prescribed medications.
• Get plenty of exercise such as yoga, stretching, and massage.
• Maintain your daily routine as nearly as possible.
• Get plenty of sleep/rest.
• Do deep breathing exercises.

Spiritual:

• Continue your spiritual and religious practices (worship, prayer, meditation, silence, etc.)
• Draw on your spiritual or religious resources.
• Meditation can be done in various forms. Meditation gives you a chance to devote a specified amount of time exclusively to you and your own mind.
• Emptying the mind of all thought and become insensible to one's surroundings.
• Focusing gently on thoughts as they come and then letting them go again.
• Guided meditation with a tape or CD.

Resources:

• Department of Chaplaincy Services: 841-1191
• PHS Behavioral Health: 291-2555
• EAP: 254-3555 or 866-254-3555
• Human Resources: 923-8750 or 800-432-4600
• American Institute of Stress: 923-8750 or 800-432-4600

"Let us realize what happens around us is largely outside our control, but that the way we choose to react to it is inside our control." ~ Anonymous