4. There are ways to manage stress. The Department of Health (DOH), National Mental Health Program endorses the use of the 12S in the Management of Stress, these are:
1. Self-awareness
Develop the habit of paying attention to your expression of thoughts, emotions, and behavior, knowing yourself, getting in touch with your feeling, or being open to experience, the more you know about yourself, the better you are at adapting life changes that suit your needs.
2. Scheduling
Optimize the time available to achieve gratifying results. Use time manager application or buy some notebook organizer.
3. Siesta
Take a nap, short rest, a break, or recharge your “battery” to improve productivity. It also helps relax the mind and body muscles.
4. Speak to me
Talk to someone when you feel overwhelmed or unable to deal with stress on your own. Venting can help you unload unwanted feelings.
5. Sounds and Songs (Music)
Listen to relaxing and soothing music. It can relieve depression and increase self-esteem.
6. Sensation Techniques (Massage)
Stress unknotting tense and aching muscles, relieving headaches, and sleep problems.
7. Stretching
Do simple movements to loosen muscles, lubricate joints increase body’s oxygen supply.
8. Socials
Engage on fruitful activities that will develop your ability to deal with other people.
9. Smile
“Smile ka naman” to release stress, calm you down, make you attractive, and make someone else happy.
10. Sports
Engage in playing sports of choice to clear your mind and relieve stress.
11. Stress debriefing
Submit oneself to a brief crisis intervention to talk about one’s feelings and reactions to the critical incident.
12. Spirituality
Devote time to connect with yourself and to God, try meditation 5-10 minutes each day and pray to Him for guidance
5. If you’re overwhelmed by stress, ask for help from a health professional.
You may contact the National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline Contact numbers:
989-8727 (USAP)
0917-899-8727 (USAP)
