What is the comparison with self-care and tracking of stress responses below?

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Stress Response

When I'm stressed my head and stomach are affected according to my body map. Stress triggers my body's "fight or flight" reaction, which releases adrenaline and cortisol. This causes me to have a physiological response that results in symptoms like headaches from tense muscles and stomach problems from altered blood flow and nutrient absorption. According to Bloomquist et al (2016), More knowledge is required about self-care behaviors and attitudes, as well as how self-care relates to the outcomes of dealing with traumatized and vulnerable groups.

Self-Care Tracker

According to my self-care habit tracker, I keep a notebook or use an electronic application to record stressors, related symptoms, and coping mechanisms. I also review my entries regularly to spot trends that may help me uncover triggers and useful countermeasures. These methods usually improved my stress management.

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Stress Response

While I was completing the body map, I was able to notice that when I feel stressed or am having a physical response, I typically feel that around my head or abdominal area. My biggest stress response that I have noticed while tracking them is I experience higher levels of exhaustion and a lower quality of sleep. On the nights that I was going to bed a bit more stressed than normal, I felt like I was waking up in the middle of the night and was unable to sleep through the night. One thing that I noticed while completing the self-care habit tracker was my ability to think more clearly about a decision after using guided meditation. Whether it was choosing what to have for dinner, or whether I wanted to go out with friends I felt as though I felt more relaxed and did not feel so pressured to make the decisions.

Self-Care Tracker

Various domains of self-care practice contribute differently to indicators of professional quality of life (Bloomquist et al., 2016). This was important for me to remember when evaluating the self-care habits that I changed and incorporated into my daily life. I think the biggest way that cultivating self-care habits changed me personally was by showing me how overall I feel better going into each day. Physically, self-care changed the way I focus on my breathing. Especially with the use of guided meditation, I've had time to support my body by focusing on breathing when experiencing a stressful situation. Emotionally I was changed by intentionally cultivating self-care habits because I felt more comfortable with my feelings, whether they were "good" or "bad" feelings. The external changes I am experiencing due to intentionally cultivating self-care habits are setting boundaries and being more selfish with my time. I have been setting boundaries for myself and my time. Lastly, I feel like the change that was made for me in my professional life is ensuring that I am taking breaks and not staying past when I am off. I would sometimes stay after work to finish documentation, or to respond to emails, but the use of self-care has helped me practice having intent with my work. If I am staying late, it pushes back my whole night routine, which then affects my mood the next day. Waiting till the next day to respond to an email or to finish documentation (if not an emergency), supported me in being intentional with my time, and the effort that I was putting into my work.