For each of us, past experiences help us better prepare for coping with the stress of future events. Training endeavors and exercises should build upon your experiences so that your familiarity and knowledge can be harvested at necessary times and places. Due to our inability to anticipate every event
that may occur, even the most experienced person may have an unexpected reaction to something new. Each of us may have times where our resources for coping with stress are challenged to their fullest. This training is designed to help you know what to do in these times to maximize performance and minimize immediate and long-term problems. An
initial step in dealing with stress is the understanding that it is normal. When we deny that we are experiencing stress, we are simply delaying the inevitable effects of stress. Trying to tough it out alone can set you up for either physical or emotional consequences that can interfere with your ability to
perform.
STEP
FOCUS
DESCRIPTION
Step One
Allow yourself to acknowledge that you may be experiencing stress and discuss this with others
Talking about your feelings of stress can accomplish two things:
It helps you recognize that you are experiencing stress
It gives others an opportunity to acknowledge their feelings of stress
Step Two
Know and practice positive stress behaviors
Know and stay in touch with your purpose
Be a team player--think "we" instead of "me"
Develop a sense of confidence about your group’s ability to accomplish the mission
Practice your spiritual beliefs and utilize them as a source of support