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Understanding and Managing Stress

Understanding and Managing Stress

May 20, 2020 / Didlake / Blog

Illustration of woman meditating

Stress is part of life

Stress is a naturally occurring physical reaction and it is a part of everyday life. We all experience it from time to time. Not all stress is bad.

Individuals vary in the way they experience, react to and cope with stress. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other disabilities may find it much harder to deal with stress. Stress is not 100 percent avoidable, however, there are things we can do to better understand and manage stress.

Causes of stress

There have been many studies conducted on stress and the long-term effects to adult health and overall well-being. Stress can be a brief reaction to an everyday situation such as being stuck in traffic, or it could be a long-term reaction to a major life event such as the death of a loved one.

Examples of everyday stressors

  • Misplacing or losing things
  • Troubling thoughts about your future
  • Financial problems
  • Arguments
  • Having to wait/not enough time
  • Too many responsibilities

Examples of major life events that cause stress

  • Death of a spouse or close family member
  • Divorce/separation
  • Marital separation
  • Personal injury or illness
  • Job loss

Causes of stress for people with ASD 

Causes of stress can look different for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities.
  • Unstructured time (waiting in line, down time between tasks)
  • Understanding what to do and how to do it
  • Changes in plans/routines
  • Sensory issues
  • Crowds
  • Noise
  • Smells
  • Bathing
  • Clothing
  • Social situations

How to Manage Stress

#1 Get ahead of known stressors

If someone has difficulty waiting in line they could have something to keep them busy while they wait

If someone is stressed about change, explain by using visual supports such as updated tasks lists, calendars or sticky notes

#2 Practice slow breathing techniques

  • View a calming technique information sheet
  • View techniques for relaxation breathing

#3 Practice mindfulness

Mindfullness is a skill. “It is about being right here, right now. Not getting bogged down with your own feelings, your own emotions, and not being so in your head that you can’t see what’s going on around you. So it’s the state of being present, the state of being aware.” (Maria Gonzalez, author of Mindful Leadership)

#4 Use stress management apps

  • View a general list of apps for stress management
  • Learn about these free apps
    • Calm
    • Personal Zen
    • Headspace
  • Read more about stress management 

If you found this article helpful, please forward and share it with someone who who would find it useful.

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  • Home
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    • Our Commitment to Quality & Exceptional Service
    • Executive Leadership
    • Affiliations & Memberships
    • Corporate Credentials & Licensing
    • Community Outreach and Partnerships
    • Integrity: Our Whistleblower Policy
    • Blog
    • Didlake in the News
    • News
    • Press Releases
    • Newsletter Signup
    • Contact Us
  • Our Services
    • Business Services for Government
      • Didlake Core Capabilities – NAICS & NIGP
      • We Deliver Expert Knowledge & Exceptional Quality
      • Partner With Us
    • Business Services
      • Didlake Document Imaging
      • Didlake Photo Imaging
      • The UPS Store 6272 at George Mason University
      • The UPS Store 6631 at Center at Innovation
  • Our Programs
    • Day Support Program
      • The Community Engagement Program
      • The Group Day Program
      • Volunteerism — A Day Support Activity
      • Tour Our Program Locations
      • Eligibility | Funding & Payment Options
      • How We Work With You
    • Employment Services Program for People with Disabilities
      • Didlake Supported Employment Services
      • Pre-Employment Transition Services for High School Students
      • Transitioning from High School to the Workforce
      • Our Employment Services Team
  • Support Our Mission
    • Disability Resources for Businesses
    • We Create Opportunities
    • Support Didlake
    • Advocacy
  • Careers at Didlake
    • Apply for a Job
    • Disability Documentation Requirements
    • Reasonable Accommodations
    • We Invest in Our People
    • AbilityOne® Program Jobs
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    • The Community Engagement Program
    • The Group Day Program
    • Volunteerism — A Day Support Activity
    • Tour Our Program Locations
    • Eligibility | Funding & Payment Options
    • How We Work With You
  • Business Services for Government
    • Didlake Core Capabilities – NAICS & NIGP
    • Expert Knowledge & Exceptional Quality
  • Business Services
    • Didlake Document Imaging
    • Didlake Photo Imaging
    • The UPS Store 6631 at Center at Innovation
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    • Affiliations & Memberships
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    • Contact Us
    • Corporate Credentials & Licensing
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