[Patrice Hyatt]

Having a deep breathing technique helps reduce feelings of stress and tension. Also talking to someone helps share thoughts and feelings, going for a walk are just some activities used to reduce stress

[Kelly]

Deep breathing, closing eyes for a moment, cuddling with my dog when I get home. Anything that calms you.

[Lynn]

Techniques To Release Stress:

1. To get a tough moment, take a few deep breaths

2. Follow the 10 foot rule. Place the child in a safe place and walk 10 feet away until you have calmed down.

3. Talk to someone. Share your thoughts and feelings.

4. Keep a tea bag with cinnamon such as chai tea bag handy to sniff.

5. Take a walk with the child. A simple walk can help calm/destress both you and the child

[Magaly]

Having routines and schedules that allow the time I need to release and recharge.

For example, meditating in the mornings, going for long walks after work. Putting soothing music during the work cycle, and using laughter with the children. Creativity in problem solving when faced challenging moments, helps as well.

[Yaire Brillite Campos – Cigarroa]

I find that if I look out the window even while I’m holding a child, or when they are taking their nap just going out into the hall, it works for me. It can be overwhelming sometimes when most of the children in the classroom are crying and you don’t know how to help them. So just taking a 30-second to 1-minute break in the hall to gather your thoughts and calm down seems to help a lot.

[Anjelica]

One thing that helps relieve stress at work is mindful coloring. It helps the kids calm down as well as the adults.

[Faith]

I often walk outside on breaks during the work day and I also listen to music that makes me happy and relaxed on the way to work. If I still feel stressed at the end of the day I journal.

I find looking for the things I love about working with children helps me stay focused on why I do it.

[Allison Vance]

I manage my stress by riding my horse, helps me focus on just what I am doing for a period of time.

[Naomi T]

Taking the time to breath, talking with co-workers, and making sure you take your assigned breaks to recollect your thoughts.

[J. Rodolfo]

listening to music and reading a book is usually my down time to destress about anything which also helped me when working with my cousins childrens

[Kierra Jenkins]

• To get through a tough moment, take a few deep breaths – deep breathing helps reduce feelings of stress and tension.
• Follow the 10-foot rule. Place the child in a safe place and walk 10 feet away until you have calmed down.
• Talk to someone. It can help to share your thoughts and feelings. I like to talk to my mom.
• Go for a walk with the child. A simple walk around the block can help calm both you and the child.
• Keep a tea bag with cinnamon such as a chai tea bag handy and sniff
• Find 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, one thing you can taste
• Taking deep breaths as well as meditating can also be a good source of stress relief.

[Sophie Rasler]

I think that having a minute to think, deep breathing exercises and being alone helps.

[Dayna]

I found that making sure you are taking your breaks and taking deep breaths can really help with this. Also, maybe taking a short walk on your break.

[Alison]

<div>Find something you love that relaxes you. Go for a walk. See a movie. Read a book. Meditate. Exercise. Talk to a friend. Take a nap. Deep breathing. Do something for yourself that does not require a lot of thought. Make sure you take time for yourself, especially after a difficult day.</div>

Working with children is very rewarding and very emotional work. Are there any techniques you’ve found to release stress?

[Hannah Swanson]

while working with children is a rewarding job, some days can be stressful. Something I do to destress and take care of myself is bake. I love baking new things and then sharing them with friends.