[Palwasha Mailan]

Deep breathing technique is always very helpful to me.

[Ciarra]

* listening to music or meditations

* watching a good tv show with someone you love

* deep breathing

* taking a nap

[April eCQtives]

To release stress while working with children, techniques such as practicing mindfulness and deep breathing, engaging in physical activities like yoga, prioritizing self-care, maintaining a supportive network, and reflecting on positive moments can be very effective.

[Irene]

square breathing, taking a moment alone, reminding myself they are not acting out maliciously but it is because they do not know any better

[Noung]

When I am stressed, I often remind myself to not take it personal, because kids are kids. Once I leave work or on my break, it is my time to myself and destress. Having this balance of work vs personal time has helped me tremendously because I used to do things for the kids while on my lunch/break. Having the little me time gave me peace. If I choose to prep outside of work, I usualy don’t mind since I like getting a bit crafty.

[Jennifer Huynh]

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

1. Mindfulness and Meditation:

   • Practicing mindfulness or meditation can help ground you in the present moment. Even a few minutes of deep breathing or guided meditation can significantly reduce stress.

2. Physical Activity:

   • Engage in regular physical exercise, such as walking, jogging, or yoga. Exercise releases endorphins, which improve mood and reduce stress.

3. Take Breaks:

   • Schedule short breaks throughout your day to step away, breathe, and recharge. Even a quick stretch or a moment of quiet can help clear your mind.

4. Journaling:

   • Writing down your thoughts and feelings can provide an outlet for stress. Reflecting on your day can also help you process emotions and gain perspective.

5. Connect with Colleagues:

   • Share your experiences and feelings with trusted colleagues. Having a support system within your workplace can help you feel understood and less isolated.

6. Engage in Hobbies:

   • Dedicate time to hobbies or activities you enjoy outside of work. Whether it’s painting, gardening, or reading, engaging in something you love can be a great stress reliever.

7. Practice Gratitude:

   • Focus on the positive aspects of your work. Keeping a gratitude journal where you note things you’re thankful for can shift your perspective and enhance your overall well-being.

8. Set Boundaries:

   • Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid taking work home, and prioritize time for yourself and your loved ones.

9. Use Humor:

   • Find ways to incorporate humor into your day. Laughter can lighten your mood and help you cope with stressful situations.

10. Seek Professional Support:

    • If stress becomes overwhelming, consider seeking support from a mental health professional. They can provide guidance and coping strategies tailored to your needs.

By incorporating these techniques into your routine, you can better manage stress and maintain your emotional well-being while working with children.

[Paula Clement]

Deep breathing, midfullness, going for walks

[Astrid Duenas]

I make sure to separate my personal and work life. I leave and I go out, have fun, hang out with my friends and that helps me relax and not stress.

[Alivia]

One technique I love is starting off my work day with words of grace and love, almost like a preparation for when the difficult times occur, it sets my heart and mind into the right space to handle children all day.

[Manasi]

For me I always try to remember that they are just kids who are just trying to communicate and not to take anything they do personally. They are not trying to do bad things, they are not trying to hurt someone intentionally. This always helps me to not react in the moment. gives me time to breath and come up with a strategy to handle the situation.

[Shirlina M.]

Having brain breaks, going on walks, having a calm center, breathing, counting backwards, being calm in my tone when talking with them, etc.

[Christena Krumpach]

Making sure I get good sleep!

[Ronni]

<i style=”background-color: var(–bb-content-background-color); font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; color: var(–bb-body-text-color);”>Take breaks: Recognize when you need a break and take steps to stop stress before it builds up. You can try taking a short walk, having a cup of tea, or doing some breathing exercises. <i style=”background-color: var(–bb-content-background-color); font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; color: var(–bb-body-text-color);”>Practice deep breathing: Deep breathing is a simple and powerful relaxation technique that can be practiced almost anywhere. It can help reduce anxiety and cope with stressful tasks. <i style=”background-color: var(–bb-content-background-color); font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; color: var(–bb-body-text-color);”>Prioritize and get organized: Avoid distractions when focused on a task. Try to stick to one task at a time and give yourself breaks to check emails or look at social media. <i style=”background-color: var(–bb-content-background-color); font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; color: var(–bb-body-text-color);”>Take a personal day: If you can manage it, consider taking a personal day away to decompress from your obligations.

[Anjelica]

Taking time to hear myself think. All day and all evening I hear little voices with so much to say, I come home to little voices and the word mom 50 times before I hit the pillow. I love it and would not trade it for anything in the world, but I find that taking a drive and a hot shower listening to worship music and picking through my thoughts is much needed. I need to decompress so that I am able to be useful to a child that feels under stress.

[Mauren]

I take a deep breath and take a sip of my coffee if I can. I also have an essential oil that I like to smell, if I do not have this then I walk away for a moment.