Making and Maintaining Change

When dealing with stressful situations and change, it is important to monitor how you’re feeling and take active steps to care for yourself. Many times, there are things going on in life that are distressing and outside our control. Negative feelings associated with these stressors can make it hard to concentrate, be patient with loved ones, or have the energy to do the things you need and want to do. In turn, missing out on enjoyable activities, leaving important things undone, and reacting impatiently with others can then lead to even more feelings of stress, anxiety, loneliness, and anger.

The strategies in this section are designed to manage negative feelings associated with stress and to increase the positive day-to-day experience in your and your family’s life. These strategies do not fix the problems, changes, or sources of stress in your life. Instead they are designed to build your emotional awareness, strength, presence of mind, and energy to handle daily tasks.

• The first section describes techniques for calming your mind and body when you begin to feel overwhelmed by stress.
• The second section includes activities designed to build your energy, sense of accomplishment, social connections, and general well-being.
• The third section helps you and your family focus on the activities and parts of life that you value most and prioritize what is important to you.