Let us help you Cope with Stress!

When you’re distressed, it may feel as though life’s demands hit suddenly. In moments like this, it can be helpful to press pause and re-centre yourself. Stop what you’re doing, take a deep breath and take a moment to clear your mind of any distracting thoughts or feelings. Studies have shown that practicing mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress levels.

As Pilots, we often have many competing obligations. One way to organize your thoughts, and help you stress less, is to plan out what you need to do and set some goals. You may choose to use a planner, create your own to do list, set goals or use a calendar. I’ve found that writing down my tasks helps me visualize and organize my thoughts and goals more effectively.

Responsibilities are important, but self-care is extremely important. Make sure to set some time aside for yourself to do an activity or hobby you enjoy. This may include exercising, spending time in nature, talking with family or friends, reading a book (for fun, not class) or any other activity that brings you relaxation.

Our portal contains a number of resources to help you manage your stress.  You can also make an appointment with a peer support advisor, in confidence. The import thing is to reach out and speak to somebody. 

Every person experiences stress differently, and at times, it can be as unique as you. While some of the tips above may help some individuals experiencing stress, there may be other things that you want to try. Try out different techniques and find what works for you! Stress may be inevitable at times, but that doesn’t mean we have to let it get the better of us. When you press pause and take steps to relieve your stress, you’re already one step ahead of the game.