“Through simply touching, more directly than in any other way, we can transmit to each other something of the power of the life we have inside us.” — Frederick Buechner
During a recent presentation of Stress First Aid, I introduced the added element of a stress tourniquet (ST). This essential tool is an add-on to the concept of approaching stress in the same way we provide interventions for those who need physical first aid.
Adapted from the original Combat and Operational Stress First Aid (COSFA) Field Operations Manual, Stress First Aid (SFA) has been modified for use across various populations with the primary aim being to “identify stress reactions in self and others along a continuum and to help reduce the likelihood that stress outcomes develop into more severe or long-term problems.” The benefits of the program are that it’s easily understood, applies to stress reactions in both others and self, and can be distributed without permission. SFA can be thought of as CPR for the soul or an emotional Heimlich maneuver.
Upon completion of the standard program, presented to a government agency experiencing unprecedented uncertainty and cutbacks, I reviewed the concept of applying a stress tourniquet using what I’ve termed the WSH model. I shared that this approach can be used in case of stress emergencies when the standard 7 Cs of the SFA model—Check, Coordinate, Cover, Calm, Connect, Competence, and Confidence—were not sufficient.
In keeping with the practical and easily practiced techniques within SFA, the WSH model is as follows: Wrap. Squeeze. Hold.
I then shared that most people know this model by its more common label of giving hugs.
Research has shown what most people already understand about the power of this type of human contact. Benefits include:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Improved cardiovascular function
- Enhanced immune system
- Improved sleep
- Pain relief
- Increased connection and bonding
- Reduced feelings of isolation and loneliness
- Increased self-esteem
- Improved mood
- Increased empathy and understanding
Too often when experiencing stress, the tendency is to try to talk one’s way out of the reaction. Problem-solving, reality testing, correcting thinking errors, and venting all have their place in SFA, as does the mindful practice of learning to observe discomfort without judgment. While effective, at times these approaches come across as impersonal, sterile, and insufficient in the moment.
In an age of virtual existence, human touch has become less common, and is often accompanied by the caveat to practice “safe touching” lest one’s intentions be misinterpreted. I suggest that STs be applied after consent is granted and I warn of random application in the workplace to keep human-resources staffers from having their own stress moment.
As a mental health professional who has offered countless trainings on stress management and offered 1:1 assistance to highly stressed individuals, and as a current presenter of SFA, I can confirm that introducing ST as added tool has received positive responses. As a practitioner, it removes the burden of trying to assist clients with trying to find the “right” words to share with someone who is experiencing a stress emergency. To those searching for ways to manage inner tension the reminder of the healing power of human contact restores a sense of confidence in much the same way that someone fresh out of training in the use of CPR feels more equipped to help those in need.
The ubiquitous use of SFA across various workforces, to include those in field of first responders, the military, and healthcare points to the growing awareness that one’s emotional well-being can be both protected and maintained by the timely application of interventions easily learned. The stress tourniquet can stem the flow of negative emotions while at the same time breaking through the isolation that many people feel when struggling with the sense of loss of control that often accompanies inner tension.
