In addition to bringing awareness to signs of stress, we would like to share a few ways to help sibs reduce stress.
- Deep Breathing Exercises: Practice deep breathing techniques to calm your nervous system. Deep breathing can help reduce stress hormones like cortisol and increase relaxation responses.
- Movement: Physical activities can help reduce stress levels by releasing endorphins, which are natural mood lifters.
- Mindfulness Practices: Mindfulness practices such as meditation or mindful movement activate the body’s relaxation response, which counteract the physiological effects of stress. This response involves a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.
- Spend Time with Nature: Being in nature can have a calming effect on the mind and body. Research shows that spending 20 to 30 minutes in a nature setting can reduce stress.
- Creative Outlets: Engage in creative activities that you enjoy, such as cooking, drawing, knitting, writing, or playing music. These activities can serve as a form of self-expression and provide a therapeutic outlet for stress.
- Social Support: Reach out to friends, family members, or support groups. Talking to someone you trust about your feelings can help alleviate stress and provide emotional support.
Lastly, we would like to acknoledge that it might not always be possible to have the time or energy to explore all the ways that we can possibly reduce stress. Whether it be art or yoga, talking to friends or just a few moments of deep breathing, we can take it one step at a time and find what works best for us.
Our Sibling Self-Care Toolkit & Workbook offers additional guidance on how you can build a customized self-care plan.