Public encouraged to combat stress with a dozen of ‘S’

The public was encouraged by the Department of Health (DOH) to fight stress with a dozen of “S.” The health department, in an advisory, enumerated the “12 S” of stress management; namely selfawareness, scheduling or time manReports agement, siesta or short nap, speak to me, sounds and songs, sensation techniques or massage, stretching, socials, smile, spirituality, stress debriefing, and sports.

For “Self-awareness”, the agency noted the importance of developing a habit of paying attention to one’s own expressions of thought, emotions, and behavior.

“Knowing yourself, getting in touch with your feeling, or being open to experience. The more you know yourself, the better you are at adapting life changes that suit your needs,” it noted.

“Scheduling” or time management is also important as such gives gratifying results, the DOH stated.

“Use time manager application or buy some notebook organizer,” it advised.

One must also take a nap or “Siesta.”

“A nap, short rest, a break or recharge your ‘battery’ to improve productivity. It also helps relax the mind and body muscles,” the agency said.

“Speak to me,” on the other hand, encourages people to talk to another person to unload unwanted feelings.

“Talk to someone when you feel overwhelmed or unable to deal with stress on your own. Venting can help you unload unwanted feelings,” the DOH stated.

“Sounds and songs” will also help as “listening to relaxing and soothing music. It can relieve depression and increase self-esteem.”

“Sensation techniques or massage, meanwhile, will help “soothe away stress unknotting tense and aching muscles, relieving headaches and sleep problems.”

“Stretching” is also important in fighting stress.

“Do simple movements to loosen muscles, lubricate joints increase body’s oxygen supply,” it was advised.

“Socials” is helpful, as well, especially if one would “engage on fruitful activities that will develop your ability to deal with other people.”

“Smile” or smiling is also seen to make a difference.

“Smile ka naman to release stress, calm you down, make you attractive, and make someone else happy,” the DOH noted.

It added that “Spirituality” is also a key.

“Devote time to connect with yourself and to God, try medication five to 10 minutes each day and pray to Him for guidance,” it stated.

“Stress debriefing” is also needed after a critical incident.

“Submit oneself to a brief crisis intervention to talk about ones feelings and reactions to the critical incident,” DOH advised.

Lastly, one is encouraged to engage in “Sports.”

“Engage in playing sports like basketball, tennis, etc. to clear your mind and relieve stress,” it said.