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The Resilient Brain Project, by The Viva Center

Resilient Brain Project

A comprehensive library of resources to support you on your mental health journey towards a happier, healthier life

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    • Trauma & PTSD
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Stress

Stress generally refers to two things: the psychological perception of pressure, on the one hand, and the body’s response to it”
—Psychology Today

Stress feelings - man at computer
Actions for now

Actions for Now

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For Allies

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You’re Not Alone

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Master the Subject

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Advocate

Actions for now

Actions for Now

Steps to Reduce Symptoms
  • 10 Simple Ways to Relieve Stress
    Basic (and fun) coping mechanisms you can use in your everyday life, from listening to music to calling a friend
  • Stress Screener
    Mental Health of America’s online screener will tell you if you show signs of severe stress
  • Workplace Anxieties
    Sometimes, you just need to laugh about workplace anxieties. These comics take care of that!
  • Corporate Stress Test
    Test the healthiness of your work environment
  • 5 Yoga Poses That Reduce Stress and Tension
    For those looking for physical ways to engage with and reduce their stress, these poses can help
  • Calming Exercise feat. Carolyn Wolfe, LMFT
    This simple breathing exercise will help you reduce stress
  • How to Feel More Rested (and Less Stressed) on a Busy Schedule
    How to take time for self-care and regenerating when your free time is limited
  • 10 Amazing Breathing Exercises For Relaxation
    Lower your stress with these accessible breathing techniques
  • Exercise for Stress and Anxiety
    Learn how physical activity reduces symptoms of stress and develop a routine that works for you
  • Guided Meditation
    This audio meditation will help you reduce stress, anxiety, and worry
  • 5 Easy Ways to Reduce Stress and Improve Health As You Age
    Reduce age-related stress and live your later years as healthily as possible
  • 10 Ways to Deal With Caregiver Stress
    This article looks at ways in which caregivers can take care of their own health
  • Parent Stress Line
    Call someone to discuss your struggles as a parent
  • Rainy Mood
    This audio of a rainstorm will help you relax
  • Quick Yoga Routine For Stress
    Therapist and yogi Arielle Mesa guides you through a gentle 10-minute routine to reduce stress
  • Somatic Resting to Decrease Stress, ft. Erin McCleary, LGSW
    Mind-body techniques to reduce worry
Apps
  • Breathe2Relax
    Breathing exercises for stress management, anger control, and anxiety management
  • Headspace
    Learn meditation for stress and anxiety
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For Allies

Give the Best Support Possible
  • Toxic Stress Toolkit: For Primary Care Providers Caring for Young Children
    An overview of toxic stress and how its adverse effects on children can be minimized
  • Helping a Friend With Stress
    Why is your friend feeling stressed, and how can you help?
  • Identifying Signs of Stress in Your Children and Teens
    This webpage from the American Psychological Association (APA) describes signs of problematic stress in youth and tips for how to intervene
  • 4 More Helpful Things To Say To A Stressed-Out Person Than ‘Calm Down’
    Tried and true methods for interacting with someone experiencing high levels of stress
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You’re Not Alone

Stories
  • Stressed: Stories and Remedies From One Who’s Living It
    Dr. Marilyn Tam shares her stress story, as well as tricks that help her cope with high stress
  • Confessions of a (Former) Stress Addict
    Nicole Liloia discusses how she felt that her life needed to be stressful in order to be worthwhile, and how she eventually overcame this belief and used her newfound knowledge to help others
  • Under Pressure: Teens Speak Out About Stress
    This piece from Teen Vogue shares the stories of teenagers across the US dealing with stress
  • Stories About Coping
    Several stories about coping with stress. Designed for teens.
PLAYLIST FOR STRESS
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Master the Subject

Learn the Science Behind It
  • How Stress Works
    How stress works in the brain and body
  • How Stress Changes the Brain
    After learning how stress works in the brain, read about the effects it can have on your neurological functioning
  • Stress: Kid’s Health
    Information about stress designed for youth
  • Stress Symptoms: Effects On Your Body and Behavior
    The Mayo Clinic’s guide to common effects of stress
  • The Difference Between Acute and Chronic Stress
    Explaining the difference between normal and problematic stress
  • Toxic Stress: Effects, Prevention, and Treatment
    This study looks at toxic stress and how we can combat it on individual and community levels
  • Exercise for Stress and Anxiety
    Learn how exercise reduces symptoms of stress and develop a routine that works for you
  • Study Says Making Art Reduces Stress, Even If You Kind of Suck At It
    Breaking out a coloring book can help with overwhelming negative feelings
  • National Institute of Mental Health
    Educate yourself about how stress might affect your health and learn ways to manage it
  • The Stress Response: Fight or Flight
    An animated video explaining how “fight or flight” reactions occur
  • How to Avoid Bringing Work Stress Home
    This graphic shows you methods for keeping work stress in the office
  • The Toxic Stress of Poverty and its Effects
    Information about the effects of chronic, income-related stress on our physical wellbeing
  • Reducing Vulnerability to Stress
    Therapist Sarah Holland describes her favorite DBT method for incerasing stress resiliency
  • Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being
    The U.S. Surgeon General’s overview of the research surrounding mental health and related factors in the workplace.
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Advocate

Connect to the Larger Movement
  • American Institute of Stress
    An organization committed to spreading awareness and education about stress
  • Kid’s Health
    Mental health and stress resources for youth
  • Parent Stress Line
    A hotline, stress groups, and resources for struggling parents
  • Stress Management Society
    This UK-based organization seeks to reduce stress worldwide

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