Providing Coping Strategies

Facing a big transition–like the end of service–can be stressful. So, how can you help members avoid or relieve those feelings?

The National Service Stress Survival Guide, developed by the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, covers seven steps for stress management:

  • Adjust your attitude
  • Make your job work for you
  • Thrive on challenge
  • Eat for performance
  • Exercise
  • Manage time and finances
  • Get your feelings out

The guide can be formatted into a training session and comes complete with informational handouts, self-tests, and a resource list for participants. You can adjust the length of the session by selecting any number of the 11 suggested exercises. Access the guide here.

Coping also becomes an issue as members leave service and transition into post-service life. This is addressed in What's Next, a tutorial designed to aid members in making decisions for after the end of their service term.

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