Did you know April is stress awareness month? Everyone manages varying levels of stress each and every day. There are stressful situations that may involve finances, your job, or even trying to find that second blue sock when folding laundry. There are good stresses that motivate or inspire one to meet a deadline verses bad stress that can harm your physical and mental wellbeing. Prolonged and intense stress can have an even bigger impact on one’s mental health, organs, and even DNA.
For the families at Saranam, they enter the program with high levels of stress. The thoughts and experiences of each family are different. They come into the program seeking refuge and change for their lives. Once they start orienting themselves to the program, families are in safe homes, classrooms, and a supportive community. While in the program each parent learns how to strengthen their awareness of how they respond to stress, develop a new understanding to manage it, and learn methods to cope with stress.
Increase your Vision
Case managers have often heard from parents “that’s just the way it is.” They hear this when a parent feels like they are at a loss or when they feel stuck. At Saranam, they learn there are other healthier ways to see, experience, and respond to those moments in their lives. Instead of shutting down, or the opposite, over stimulating one’s emotions it is helpful to consider the “window of tolerance”. It is important and helpful to manage your feelings and still maneuver through the situation or decision. Learning to manage stress offers a better understanding of oneself, opening up possibilities, and increase visioning for yourself and your family— near and far.
Safe Place and Educational Frameworks
At the heart of Saranam, what works is having a welcoming and safe place for families. Once in a safe place, parents can take refuge to breathe and regroup. During stressful times, parents may feel alone, but at Saranam there are instructors, case managers, staff, and fellow families to support each other.
Concepts, presentations, and information with partnering organizations brings an awareness and education to the psychological and physical response. Here are a handful of the many philosophies and methods taught.
- “Windows of Tolerance”– Originally developed by Dr. Dan Siegel, this concept describes the ways people respond to stress by either shutting down verses overstimulating.
- “Growth Mindset”- Carol Dweck, Ph.d. studied the theory of a fixed mindset verses a growth mindset.
- Instructors are invited to use mindfulness techniques in the classroom like grounding oneself in the present moment before starting a class.
- Time management classes– This class is very helpful for Saranam parents because with basic needs met they can open their eyes and minds to the concept of time and make a plan for their future.
- Gardening offers many lessons for families at Saranam. Link here to read more.
Alumni Advice
Alumni who have been through the program know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Their advice to current families highlights their work managing stress and taking meaningful steps forward.
“Reach out, there is always something or someone who will help.”
“Take the program and your education seriously and use it as a big steppingstone into your new life!”
“Trust the process and don’t assume you can’t do something just because you’ve never done it before. You will never be safer to try your hardest at something.”