Common stress reduction suggestions are to exercise, eat a healthy diet, explore nature, practice yoga, laugh, socialize, breathe, or to learn a new activity.
Ashes2Art promotes creativity as a highly beneficial and effective method to process stress and to reduce cumulative stress. Any creative act is encouraged: woodworking, metalsmithing, painting, gardening, cooking, sewing, sculpting, glassblowing, writing, music, movement, acting, or ANYTHING creative!
Research has shown that the arts significantly affect hormonal and autonomic re-regulation; reduces physiological markers associated with stress, cognitive and emotional flexibility, and neurobiological changes in immune functions; and, decrease psychological trauma and depression. In 2019, the World Health Organization reviewed 3000 studies involving the roles of the arts in health and well-being, and concluded that there was a “major role for the arts in the prevention of ill health, promotion of health, and management and treatment of illness across the lifespan.” The act of creation is a fun, cool way to counterbalance the amount of destruction we experience daily on the job as first responders. So, join us in a creative challenge or in a creative arts class to get those creative juices flowing and strengthen your resiliency the fun way!
Amygdala Regulating Techniques (A.R.T.)
Ashes2Art has compiled a video list of breathing techniques to assist in re-regulation and balance at a deeper level. These are great tools to put into your wellness toolbox as a daily routine or to access when desired.
We have been successfully exploring the use of a deeper version of P.E.A.T. (DP4 ) to safely address images and experiences that are reoccurring from difficult calls. Please reach out for more information on this useful tool.
PEER SUPPORT
Peer support is a crucial and necessary support system for our well-being. It only makes sense to reach out first to trained fellow responders who understand the perils and stresses of our job. Since peer support isn’t available everywhere, Ashes2Art is developing a consistent and universal platform for first responders to be able to reach out to trained peer support as needed. We want to be here for you when you need us.
Resources:
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-medical-services/resiliency-resources/