Tips for stress management

Below are the six ‘R’s of stress management. These are not specific to volunteering as a support line operator but are good practices to follow.

1. Responsibility

• You are in control
• Establish priorities
• Say No
• Avoid ‘should’, ‘ought’ and ‘must’. Clarity is particularly important when supporting people in crisis, both for the wellbeing of the caller and the operator.

2. Reflection

• Know your stress triggers
• Be aware of stress symptoms
• Check the balance in your life

3. Relaxation

• Do something good for you
• Schedule time out
• Sit down, do nothing, learn to relax

4. Relationships

• Maintain supportive relationships
• Manage your relationships
• Improve your relationship with yourself

5. Refuelling

• Eat a balanced diet with high fibre, low salt and low cholesterol
• Be aware of poisons: caffeine, fats, nicotine, excessive alcohol

6. Recreation

• Have hobbies and interests
• Laugh
• Have fun
• Enjoy life