Everybody deals with stress. Most of the time, people can cope with small amounts of stress in their daily lives. When individuals experience high levels of stress, it can take a toll in all areas of their lives. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) provides excellent well-being tips for anyone feeling stress. Pause - Reset - Nourish (PRN) is a strategy that promotes well-being and resilience. In summary, here is the Pause - Reset – Nourish strategy.

 

Pause

Take a moment to check in with yourself. How is your body feeling at the moment? NCTSN recommends, “By taking a slow conscious (diaphragmatic) breath, you can pause to check how you are feeling inside. Repeat this at least 3 times. As you become more aware of what is happening inside your body, you might realize that you are anxiously ruminating over something, holding stress or tension in different parts of the body, feeling that your mind is cluttered, having intense emotions, or grieving over the loss of a loved one or routines. It may be more than one thing, making the need to pause all the more important.” 

 

Reset

Actively engage your mind and body to feel calm and confident. When you start to feel like something is bothering you, take a few minutes and give yourself permission to relax. This can be through breathing exercises, meditation, a quiet walk, or practicing mindfulness. If something is negatively impacting your daily routine, try to reset by focusing on something positive, talking with a friend, repeating a positive affirmation, or appreciating something you are grateful for. In the reset stage, it is crucial to acknowledge your feelings and let them pass.

 

Nourish

Now is the time to identify and engage in activities that would be beneficial to your mental well-being. “Soak in something positive that replenishes your mind-body-heart-soul-or spirit. Turn your focus towards something that helps you remember your own strength and resilience, or reminds you to take time to tend to yourself.” Appreciate something rewarding, reflect on a positive memory, repeat positive affirmations, engage in meaningful social connections with friends or family, or participate in activities that bring you joy. 

 

Through Pause-Reset-Nourish, small actions can impact your overall mental well-being. If you have been dealing with an increasing amount of stress or have been affected by an event that has impacted your every day, daily life, there are mental health resources to help. Mental Health Partners is only a phone call away. Give us a call at (303) 443-8500. 

 

Source: https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources/fact-sheet/wellbeing-and-wellness.pdf