Stress is a common human experience. Practical coping skills may help people reconnect with what matters to them. This guide adapts exercises from the World Health Organization’s Doing What Matters in Times of Stress. It does not claim that stress directly damages cells or causes a particular disease.
Five brief exercises to try
- Return attention to the present: pause and notice what you can see, hear, and feel around you. You do not have to force a feeling to disappear.
- Notice your thoughts: treat a thought as something happening in the mind, not an instruction you must follow or a judgment of your worth.
- Make room for feelings: name what you are feeling and notice that feelings can change, rather than turning the moment into a struggle with yourself.
- Choose an action that reflects your values: take a small step that matters to you, such as resting, contacting someone you trust, or handling one task at a time.
- Be kind to yourself: use the same fair, compassionate language you would use with someone you care about.
When to seek support
If distress continues or affects sleep, work, or relationships, consider speaking with a mental-health professional. The Thai Department of Mental Health lists its 1323 Mental Health Hotline as available 24 hours a day at no cost; see the Department of Mental Health resource. If there is immediate danger, contact local emergency services or someone you trust now.
These exercises are general self-care tools. They do not replace an assessment, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified professional. If symptoms persist or interfere with daily life, seek appropriate support.
Sources
- World Health Organization: Doing What Matters in Times of Stress
- Thailand Department of Mental Health: online resource
Original video
Watch the original video on YouTube. It is included as related context; the exercises and support information above are linked to the sources listed here.