[mia costello]

Deep breathing and trying to keep an objective/positive mindset

[Bryn]

taking time for yourself, self care, and breathig

[Elizabeth]

I like to use my creativity to release any stress I may have. Whether through drawing, painting, or even just coloring. Sometimes playing a video game or watching a series can help me get my mind off things. I also enjoy taking a walk and focusing on the environment around me.

[anya]

Working with children can indeed be both rewarding and emotionally taxing. Here are some techniques to help release stress:

1. **Regular Breaks:** Take short, frequent breaks throughout the day to recharge. Even a few minutes away from the classroom can help clear your mind.

2. **Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:** Practice mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or meditation to center yourself and reduce stress levels. Apps like Headspace or Calm can be helpful.

3. **Physical Activity:** Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, yoga, or any exercise you enjoy. Exercise helps reduce stress and improves overall well-being.

4. **Talk it Out:** Share your experiences and feelings with colleagues, friends, or a mentor. Sometimes just talking about your stress can provide relief and new perspectives.

5. **Hobbies and Interests:** Make time for hobbies or activities that you enjoy outside of work. Whether it’s reading, painting, or gardening, engaging in activities you love can help you unwind.

6. **Set Boundaries:** Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life to avoid burnout. Make sure to disconnect from work when you’re off-duty.

7. **Seek Professional Support:** If stress becomes overwhelming, consider speaking with a counselor or therapist who can provide additional strategies and support.

Implementing these techniques can help manage stress, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and enhance your effectiveness in working with children.

[Noelia GarciaLuna]

To take a deep breath and tell myself that I can do this and then when I go on my break take that time to myself and calm myself down and ask for help

[Sadie]

I am a person who has to dance to release stress, or sing when I feel overstimulated. Other techniques I use are finding ways to be ‘goofy’, like making up songs or doing something silly to help the kiddos laugh. Outside of childcare, I enjoy grounding exercises like putting my feet in the grass and watching birds.

[Brooke Gutierrez]

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

To temporarily relieve stress:

-taking a brief walk on breaks or lunch breaks

-music or podcasts during breaks

-deep breaths and/or new quick calm technique just learned

-counting to 10 while taking very deep breath and releasing that breath

Relieving more long term stress or stress while at home:

-long walk in nature or anything keeping you active

-reading a favorite book

</div>

[Angela]

I go to a dark room and get quiet reading a book or walking my dog.

[Christina Kortering]

I meditate in the morning and have a breathing prayer that I pray while doing a deep breathing exercise. This brings focus, calm, and encouragement to stressful situations.

[Kadi Balcom]

Taking time for hobbies you love, practicing mindfulness, and chatting with friends or colleagues can really help.

[Hailey]

Someways that I have to take off the stress or my emotions is by taking a nap

[Natylee]

Going on walks is my favorite way to de-stress!

[Diana Patricia]

One of the relaxation techniques that I use and practice with my students is the breathing technique of smelling the flower and blowing out the candle, because relaxing through breathing is of great benefit to children.

[Natalia Plamadeala-Mandel]

I like to take walks, think positively, hug my kids, sets of taking deep breaths to count to 5, listen to relaxation/meditation music, talk about positive things, and watch humor movies.

[Hayley Miller]

I call my mom and chat when I’m having a stressful day. I try to see friends or just get out of the house somewhere more fun at least once a week. When I come home from work I get smothered in love from my dogs and then I take a hot shower and change into comfy clothes which signals my brain that the day is done and I can relax.