[Donna Beaver]

Well, I think prayer really helps!

[Hillary Fain]

Meditation daily. I find that at the end of the day just coming and zoning out watching tv or playing a game on the phone also helps to wind down.

[Sara Sam]

Working with children can be incredibly fulfilling but also emotionally demanding. Managing stress is essential for maintaining well-being and continuing to provide quality care. Here are some techniques to release stress and find balance:

1. Practice Mindfulness and Breathing Exercises

• Mindfulness meditation: Spend a few minutes focusing on your breath or observing your thoughts without judgment.

• Deep breathing: Practice techniques like box breathing (inhaling for 4 seconds, holding for 4, exhaling for 4, and pausing for 4). This can help reset your nervous system.

• Grounding exercises: Focus on your senses by noticing what you can see, hear, feel, smell, and taste to bring yourself back to the present moment.

2. Take Short Breaks

• Step away for a few minutes when possible to clear your mind and recharge.

• Use this time to stretch, grab a drink of water, or simply breathe deeply.

3. Build a Support System

• Share your thoughts and experiences with colleagues who understand the challenges of working with children.

• Seek advice or just vent in a safe, supportive environment. Sometimes simply talking can relieve a lot of emotional weight.

4. Use Reflective Journaling

• Write down your thoughts and feelings at the end of the day. Focus on both challenges and successes.

• Journaling helps process emotions, reflect on your work, and celebrate small victories.

5. Exercise Regularly

• Physical activity is a proven stress reliever. Engage in activities like walking, yoga, dancing, or even quick workouts at home.

• Stretching exercises can also help release physical tension from long days.

6. Set Boundaries

• Create a clear separation between work and personal life. Leave work-related stress at work when possible.

• Avoid overcommitting yourself and learn to say no when you need time for self-care.

[OSeanna]

Some techniques I have found to release stress would be being mindful of practices like being sure to take breaks when they are given to you as they are needed to be taken for a reason and implementing deep breaths when finding myself overwhelmed in which actually helps a lot more than I would have expected.

[Zanyah Briggs]

deep breaths and counting to ten

[Nai J2511]

Deep breathing and meditation

Walk around and look at the greenery with your eyes.

[Bekka]

The ways I like to relieve stress are by taking a few deep breaths, going on walks, going to the gym, listening to music, drawing, or putting on a show or movie. If I’m stressed at work I just take some breaths or I try to make the kids laugh, that always makes me feel better.

[Bry]

Creating art, blasting music, deep contemplation

[vansiy]

Yeah, working with kids can get pretty emotional, so I’ve found a few things that help with stress. Taking a few deep breaths or just stepping outside for a minute helps clear my head. Talking to a coworker or jotting down thoughts in a journal can also help me let go of some of that built-up tension. When I’m done for the day, I make sure to do something relaxing, like reading or drawing, to unwind and recharge.

[Thalia Ramos]

yes, deep breathing and walking away for a few seconds and coming back with a relaxed attitude. Remember they are kids and have emotions too.

[caitlyn stclair]

Practicing mindfulness and deep breathing exercises can be incredibly effective for releasing stress and maintaining emotional balance.

[Dyna]

Sit quietly and not talk. If I’m eating my lunch, I am aware of each bite, chewing, and not listening or participating in the convo going on around me. If I have time left, I walk upstairs and sit quietly in a corner just breathing in and out. Then my alarm goes off.

[Russell Sleeger]

Pray for God to fill you with His Spirit and realize that God is in control, and He would never give you more than He knows you can handle.

[taylor harris]

Taking deep breaths, accessing the situation and work through it either out loud to myself or in my head. Also walking away for a few seconds can be helpful.

[ashley engstrom]

My favorite way to release stress is a quick brisk walk, or coloring!