Everyone occasionally feels physical symptoms related to stress. Parents of learning disabled children may be stressed over difficulties with school or special education programs, and concern over their children's futures.
Stress can cause many different symptoms tension headaches, back pain, and muscle stiffness are examples many of us have experienced. If we are aware of the first signs of discomfort, we can take appropriate steps to prevent more serious problems. Taking a mental self-inventory of how your body feels on a regular basis is one way to accomplish this.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Mental Stress Inventory Can Help You Manage Your Stress - About 5 Minutes Per Session
Here's How:
- Working alone or with a partner, sit in a quiet place. Ensure there will be no interruptions. It may help to close your eyes. Relax, and breathe slowly and deeply.
- Spend about five minutes focusing on the sensations you feel in each part of your body, beginning with your head and moving slowly downward. Focus completely on each part of your body. Notice any discomfort, pain, numbness, tingling, unpleasant sensations, or other feelings.
- If you are working with a partner, have her write notes on your comments about your sensations. If you are working alone, write notes after the exercise.
- Reflect on your findings. Which areas concern you the most? Have you spoken with a doctor or counselor? Do you know what is causing the problem? Identify some next steps you can take to help now and for the long term if necessary.
- Use the results of your inventory to make changes in your routines and activities to prevent physical symptoms. If you haven't already done so, consider taking the stress screener. Both the screener and the mental inventory can help you develop a stress management plan.
What You Need:
- Pen and paper
- Quiet seating area
- A partner (optional)
