This tip sheet explores stress and compassion fatigue as well as signs of distress after disaster. It identifies ways to cope and enhance resilience along with information and support.
This technique quickly lowers stress chemistry and helps the body shift out of “fight-or-flight” mode. The longer exhale signals the brain that it is safe to relax. This slows the heart rate, releases tight muscles, and improves mental clarity. Even a few breaths can help you feel more grounded and better able to think clearly before the next task.
By pairing slow breathing with the physical act of washing hands, healthcare workers can release muscle tension and mentally separate from the previous interaction before moving on to the next.
This reset helps clinicians slow down and focus on one patient and one task at a time. By gently changing what we say to ourselves, we can feel calmer, think more clearly, and make better decisions—even during busy or stressful moments.
This technique quickly lowers stress chemistry and helps the body shift out of “fight-or-flight” mode. The longer exhale signals the brain that it is safe to relax. This slows the heart rate, releases tight muscles, and improves mental clarity. Even a few breaths can help you feel more grounded and better able to think clearly before the next task.
