Human services group discusses self-care and stress management

The MMA Human Services Council hosted its first virtual meeting of the year on March 26 on the topic of self-care and stress management.

Mind/body specialist Trish Hart led an interactive, educational workshop that featured hands-on practice of mind/body techniques to help participants better manage their stress and prioritize self-care.

Hart began with a discussion about the neuroscience behind the stress response, the physical and emotional symptoms of stress, and the ways in which stress affects human performance.

She provided practical tips for stress management, including setting clear boundaries at work and in your personal life and blocking out regular time in your calendar for self-care. Self-care can include things like personal hobbies, time away from technology, and breaks for movement.

The workshop concluded with the practice of mind/body stress management techniques, including use of “the escape route” body position and mindfulness breathing exercises.