Dealing with Stress - January 25, 2024 - Amy Timmerman - Extension Educator
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- [0:00] This is Amy Timmerman with Nebraska Extension
- [0:03] and this weeks Extension update.
- [0:05] The start of 2024 has had some major challenges for many across the state
- [0:10] from arctic polar temperatures, blizzards and snow squalls.
- [0:16] Now there are discussions of ice jams, rain and potential
- [0:19] flooding that may occur over the next few weeks.
- [0:22] The entire slogan of “Nebraska isn’t for everyone”
- [0:25] is really holding true.
- [0:27] Throughout all these situations you may have feelings of stress,
- [0:31] worry, anger, frustration, loss, and sadness.
- [0:35] It is critical to remember that everyone is different,
- [0:37] and everyone will find their own way of coping with the situation
- [0:41] or even memories of past traumatic experiences.
- [0:44] Here are six positive coping strategies as we navigate the beginning of 2024.
- [0:50] 1. Acknowledge Your Feelings:
- [0:53] It is important to remember that some stress and emotional reaction will occur
- [0:57] when facing similar situations that lead to a past traumatic experience.
- [1:02] I personally have certain feelings of anger, stress, and anxiety when
- [1:06] weather conditions are leading to events that occurred with the flood in 2019.
- [1:10] Acknowledge those feelings and allow yourself the opportunity
- [1:14] to express those feelings of sadness, anger, or frustration
- [1:18] will help to relieve some of the stress.
- [1:20] Remember feelings those emotions do not make us bad or weak.
- [1:25] 2. Find Healthy Stress Coping Methods:
- [1:29] Stress coping mechanisms vary from individual to individual.
- [1:33] The trick is finding and engaging the methods that works best for you which
- [1:36] may be running, taking a walk, reading, journaling, or jigsaw puzzles for examples.
- [1:44] 3. Be Compassionate to Yourself:
- [1:47] We can be our own worst enemy with our self-destructive negative talk.
- [1:51] Show yourself compassion, kindness, and patience that you give to others.
- [1:56] It is okay that we have those bad days and not accomplish all the tasks on our list.
- [2:01] Focus on your self-care needs to help you process the emotions.
- [2:05] 4. Accept Help from Others:
- [2:08] Some individuals feel that accepting help
- [2:10] from others is a sign of weakness which it is not.
- [2:13] It is an opportunity for the people in your life
- [2:15] to show that they care about you.
- [2:18] Take them up on their offer to scoop off your sidewalk
- [2:21] after the next snowstorm or stop by for coffee so they can support you.
- [2:26] Support from others is essential for everyone to cope, heal and recover.
- [2:31] 5. Social Support System:
- [2:34] Reaching out and talking to friends, family, faith community
- [2:37] or spiritual guidance is a positive way to deal with emotions.
- [2:41] This is a terrific opportunity to unload or vent fears, frustrations,
- [2:46] challenges, etc. in a safe environment while getting the support that you need.
- [2:52] And finally 6. Help Others:
- [2:55] Giving back to others and the community
- [2:57] is a wonderful way to provide a sense of satisfaction and joy.
- [3:02] Remember if your emotions and stress turn into distress or we recognize
- [3:06] chronic stress in others to reach out for professional assistance.
- [3:10] The Nebraska Rural Response Hotline at 1-800-464-0258
- [3:17] provides valuable information and resources, including
- [3:21] free vouchers for counseling sessions through the Counseling
- [3:23] Outreach and Mental Health Therapy program.
- [3:26] If someone close to you is having a mental crisis or is emotionally distress,
- [3:31] you can call or text the Nation Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 9-8-8.
- [3:38] This has been Amy Timmerman with Nebraska Extension.