Resource: A Guide for Managing Stress from the WHO
- Danielle
- May 11, 2020
- 2 min read
I recently came across this amazing illustrated guidebook published on the WHO website: Doing What Matters in Times of Stress: An Illustrated Guide
A lot of people are acknowledged as playing a role in the development of this resource! One name in particular stood out to me: Russ Harris.
He has published many books and research articles on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which is a topic to dive into in another post. ACT is a therapy that stresses the importance of psychological flexibility – which means, as Russ describes it, “to be in the present moment with full awareness and openness to our experience, and to take action guided by our values” or more simply “be present, open up, and do what matters” (p. 12 from ACT Made Simple by Russ Harris).
There are many things I love about this illustrated guide:
The illustrations! These make it easier to understand some concepts, easier to motivate yourself to read through the book, and easier to show to some mature kids or teens!
The audio guides! These can also make it easier to access the content and follow through on the activities within the book.
The importance that everyone feels stress at different times, and that there are different levels of stress
The use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy concepts – like how to work towards our values and use mindfulness to help manage stress
The breakdown of activities – so that you can do one every day, or every couple of days
It is not COVID-19 specific, but can definitely be used with COVID-19 in mind if that’s where your stress is currently coming from – but really, these strategies are great for managing all sorts of stress!
Please check it out, and share your thoughts and experiences with the guidebook below (or in an e-mail to me!).
Other Nerdy Resources:
Doing What Matters in Times of Stress: An Illustrated Guidebook from the World Health Organization
The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living by Russ Harris
The Happiness Trap Website
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