There is so much going on right now it can just plain make your head spin…Your POA has really had its hands full lately with everything from budget deficits, contract talks, Brady Policy negotiations which have been rife with problems from the very beginning, Police Commission problems, impending state and local elections, the usual nonsensical crap coming from the leadership (or lack thereof) from OCC and the day to day operations of the association has really kept us on our toes.
The challenges of all of our current day to day working lives are many. There is increasing pressure to produce…produce numbers…stats…arrests…handle investigative cases at and absurdly impossible rate. There is pressure to make the bosses look good…to be as proactive as possible but keeping the complaints down…fighting the EIS system…fear of being red flagged for getting too many complaints…to handle runs…to "clear the board"…
We have to manage our personal and family lives which themselves can bring untold challenges…no need to go into the possibilities there as they are endless…
Recently, some of our members have been affected by serious medical problems which can directly be related to stress. Stress is an every day component that affects our lives. Managing stress can be a bit difficult as many of us do not allow ourselves enough time or opportunity to eliminate the negative stressors in our lives.
Sometimes we just need to slow down and take stock of what is going on around us and figure out how all this is affecting our lives and the lives of those we love.
With that in mind, I offer a few tips on how to begin to manage your stress and hopefully make your life a little easier.
Please consider the following as a helpful guide towards wellness.
Ten Ways to Reduce Your Stress
1) Focus on one task at a time.
2) Set limits when you need to.
3) Allow extra time for tasks and appointments.
4) Get help with jobs you dislike.
5) Set realistic expectations for yourself.
6) Find enjoyable ways to exercise.
7) Express your feelings.
8) Schedule more fun and breaks in your day.
9) Practice deep breathing.
10) Laugh as often as you can.
Quick Steps to Stress Relief
1) Stop and Think
2) Take a Deep Breath
3) Assess your options
4) Choose your response
Slow Me Down, Lord
Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind. Steady my hurried pace. Give me, amidst the day's confusion, the calmness of the everlasting hills.
Break the tensions of my nerves and muscles with the soothing music of singing streams that live in my memory.
Help me to know the magical, restoring power of sleep. Teach me the art of taking "minute vacations"…slowing down to look at a flower, to chat with a friend, to read a few lines from a good book.
Remind me of the fable of the hare and the tortoise; that the race is not always to the swift; that there is more to life than measuring its speed.
Let me look up at the branches of the towering oak and know that it grew slowly and well. Inspire me to send my own roots down deep into the soil of life's endearing values…that I may grow to the stars of my greater destiny.
/ Wilferd Arlan Peterson /
Thanks very much and an outstanding job well done to the members of the Tactical Unit who spent time with the very special children of UCSF this past May 12th. At the afternoon visit which included a great series of BINGO games, Mark Madsen, Steve "Murphalo" Murphy, Herman Diggs and "The Great" Bart Johnson of the Honda Unit.
Later that evening in the "Teen Lounge", Kevin Needham, Mark Williams, Jay Dowke and Doug Farmer joined forces and had a great time playing foosball and video games with some real cool teen-agers.
Each and every one of you guy's did a great job and I received some tremendous feedback for your efforts. Each of you brought some great smiles to the faces of some youngsters and their families that could really use it…thanks again, you guy's rock!!!
There is certainly more to managing stress than what is listed above. If you have questions or concerns about stress or stress relief, please consult your personal or family physician or members of the SFPD Behavioral Science Unit at Treasure Island , telephone number, 415-837-0875.
This month's column is dedicated to the full and speedy recovery of all our members who are ill. I call special attention to Gavin McEachern of the Homicide Detail and Edie Lewis of the Juvenile Bureau. Both have been adversely affected lately and will be out of work for awhile as they recover. Please keep Gavin and Edie and all our ailing members in your thoughts and prayers. Reach out to them and give them or any member a call and check in on them. A simple act of kindness and care can go along ways towards recovery. God Bless all of you and your family and loved ones…take care of yourselves and take care of each other
