Living in Los Angeles County can be a stressful experience, and it is essential to have effective stress management techniques in place to stay healthy. Whether you are a parent, caregiver, or first responder, there are many ways to reduce stress and increase resilience. Breathing exercises are an important tool for managing stress. Taking a few minutes several times a day to do breathing exercises can help you recognize your stress level and reduce it.
Health care providers can teach you relaxation techniques that can be used in stressful situations, such as meetings or crowded theaters. When deployed but not working, use that time to schedule and participate in stress management and self-care activities. This is especially important for first responders who may be exposed to traumatic events or have experienced mental illness before working in the behavioral health disaster response program. It is also essential to recognize how your work contributes to stress and implement specific ways of thinking and working that can strengthen you in the face of difficult situations.
Rachel Goldman, PhD in FTOS, is a licensed psychologist, adjunct clinical professor, speaker, and wellness expert who specializes in eating behaviors, stress management, and healthy behavior changes. For parents and caregivers, it is natural for children to worry when scary or stressful events occur in their lives. It is essential to take the time to talk with them about their worries and provide support. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) supports research to understand how stress affects health and why some are resilient to stress while others have difficulties.
They also research different therapies and techniques to increase resilience and have a positive effect on health and well-being.
