Roderick-
This is a simple technique to release stress in the event that it becomes overwhelming. While this may seem unnecessary or even silly to you, practices like this can make it much easier to cope with stressors such as those you have been facing during this transition. For now, I would like you to follow these steps every night before you go to bed. In the future, you may find it useful to practice this technique during times of acute stress.
1.) Sit in a comfortable position with your back straight. Take five slow, deep breaths from deep in the abdomen and release each one slowly.
2.) Once your breathing is under control, focus on one muscle group in your body. Tense the muscle, then release the tension. Repeat with a different muscle group.
3.) Draw a picture in your mind of a place where you always felt safe and secure. Start with an image, then reflect on every sensory detail.
-Dr. Brawney