Summary 

Back to: Helpers Care for Themselves

In this course section we introduced the psychological concept of stress: It has been explained what stress is and how it arises. Further, the difference between stress triggers and stress reactions has been defined. Typical stress reactions on physical, behavioural and cognitive-emotional level have been exemplified.

It has been underlined that short-term stress is a normal and activating phenomenon whereas a permanently increased stress level can cause exhaustion, burnout and depression. Therefore it is essential to know strategies of soothing stress reactions.

Strategies of handling your tasks in a healthy way have been explicated: Developing realistic expectations, handling multifaceted tasks and organising yourself in a helpful way.

Moreover we explained how to handle difficult situations when being confronted with traumatised people or individuals in crises. Additionally we described how to cope with rejection, threats and aggression.

The importance of recovering, finding balance and relaxing for staying healthy and motivated has been emphasised. You became acquainted with strategies of active regeneration and two ways how to find the right ones for your current mental state.

It has been exemplified how relevant it is to give yourself some „soul food“.

We presented methods of active relaxation and mindfulness and ways to practice them. Further the relevance of sport and exercise has been explained. Two main ways to integrate movement into your daily routine have been explicated: More physical activity in everyday life and regular exercising. It has been underlined that it is important to find sportive activities you like and enjoy.