THE local government unit in Benguet's capital town partnered with the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA)-Cordillera Chapter Inc. as resource speakers to share their expertise in coping with stress.
PMHA is a private, non-profit and non-sectarian organization dedicated to the promotion of mental health and prevention of mental illness.
The group shared tips on how to cope with stress, such as taking care of your physical health through eating well-balanced meals, exercise, get enough sleep, express yourself with a journal, create an artwork, spend time with people who care share your feelings with a treated friend or family and spend time with positive people.
PMHA advised workers to learn ways to relax, focus on the present, practice deep breathing exercises, mediation, spend time with God, listen to music and manage your time.
The organization also shared to the workers in the town to be positive, make a list of the things they are grateful for, work on something they enjoy and manage finances.
The program initiated by the local government unit started last October, with employees divided into batches.
The first batch was participated by frontliners and barangay officials who had been working since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, adding it is needed today as they have also observed many of them are already tired.
This week, the last batch of municipal employees and frontliners in Benguet's capital town underwent stress debriefing.
In the next years, students will also be included in the program.
The World Health Organization also shared a tool kit titled "Doing What Matters in Times of Stress: An Illustrated Guide," which is a stress management guide for coping with the adversity.
WHO said the guide aims to equip people with practical skills to help cope with stress.