9 Tips to ease daily stress

Published in partnership with MnFIRE partner, Optum

Firefighters operate in high-pressure environments where every decision counts. With human lives often at risk, including their own, a single mistake can have devastating consequences. This constant pressure, along with the physical toll of the job, contributes to a substantial amount of stress for firefighters.

While many things are often beyond our control, we do have the power to manage some sources of stress. Consider trying these stress-busting strategies to ease tension, quiet your mind and find calm.

  1. Move — Physical activity can serve as a stress reliever. Your body releases chemicals that make you feel good, and the increase in oxygen and blood flow can boost your energy level. Even a 5-minute walk or stretch can make a difference and take our mind off pressing issues.
  2. Simplify — When your day feels overwhelming, take stock of your to-dos. Focus on what must be done, delegate what you can, and let go of what isn’t necessary.
  3. Resist — Avoid foods and drinks that might negatively impact your mood. For example, if you know another cup of coffee is going to make you feel anxious and jittery, skip it.
  4. Engage — In tough times, remind yourself how much better you might feel with support or a friendly distraction. Spend time with a friend who makes you laugh, volunteer at a shelter for some “pet therapy,” or do something else that helps you feel connected.
  5. Plan — Routines can be comforting, so develop and stick to ones that work for you and your loved ones. For example, try prepping meals and outfits in advance of the hectic work week, or say “no” to a few invites to avoid being overscheduled.
  6. Accept — It’s OK to not be OK. Give yourself time to process your emotions, then do your best to move past them. Let’s say a taxi driver blew past you or your partner snapped at you. Take a moment to feel the frustration, then a few deep breaths and focus on letting it go when you’re ready.
  7. Change — Take stock of what stresses you and why. Could you do something differently? If so, make a plan and follow through.
  8. Communicate — The people closest to you may not realize how overwhelmed you feel. Opening up can help them understand you need support and may also help break unhelpful patterns. It could be something simple like asking your roommate to clean and put away their dishes, so it’s one less thing weighing on you.
  9. Practice — It’s natural to feel stressed out, anxious or irritable from time to time. Give yourself the same respect and patience you give others. And take care of yourself: Choose nutritious foods, get restful sleep, be active and take some “me” time to do what you enjoy most. Self-care is key to your overall health and well-being.

Help is just a call away

Sometimes, it can help to talk to someone who knows what you are going through. MnFIRE provides confidential mental health resources funded by the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program – including counseling visits and peer support – to Minnesota firefighters and their families. These services are available at no cost to active Minnesota firefighters and their families. Get connected by calling our 24-hour helpline at 888-784-6634.

Sources

HealthHub. Your guide to stress management. Accessed November 15, 2022.

Mayo Clinic. Stress relievers: Tips to tame stress. August 3, 2023.

Mental Health Foundation. How to manage and reduce stress. Accessed January 22, 2025.

Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Manage stress. August 20, 2024.

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Doug and Kyle have reached day six of Miles for MnFIRE! Along with the two walkers, two special flags are making the more than 150-mile journey – one displaying the MnFIRE logo and another representing the fire service. At stops along the way, the flags are signed by people who want to show their support. Sometimes, people will write the name of a fire service member that they’ve lost. Bode and Foote consider it a true honor to carry these flags and names to the finish line.

Learn more about Miles for MnFIRE and support your hometown heroes here: mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/
... See MoreSee Less

Doug and Kyle have reached day six of Miles for MnFIRE! Along with the two walkers, two special flags are making the more than 150-mile journey – one displaying the MnFIRE logo and another representing the fire service. At stops along the way, the flags are signed by people who want to show their support. Sometimes, people will write the name of a fire service member that they’ve lost. Bode and Foote consider it a true honor to carry these flags and names to the finish line.

Learn more about Miles for MnFIRE and support your hometown heroes here: https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/Image attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment

Our Miles for MnFIRE walkers have completed 94 miles of the 150-mile trek from Duluth to St. Paul -- and they are still smiling!

Here's an on-the-road update from Minnesota firefighters Doug Foote and Kyle Bode as they reflect on crossing the halfway point, a major milestone on day five of their nine-day journey.

Read the full recap on our blog: mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire-day-5/
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It's day five of Miles for MnFIRE, and there's still time to contribute!

🔴 Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, all Miles for MnFIRE donations up to $10,000 will be matched dollar for dollar before Sept. 21. That means that if you give now, your impact will be doubled!

🔴 Those who donate $200 or more will receive a special Miles for MnFIRE hat – check out Doug and Kyle rocking their hats below!

Your donations are thoroughly appreciated not only by the walkers, but also by firefighters and their families across the state who receive assistance from MnFIRE year-round. Thank you for your support! mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/
... See MoreSee Less

Its day five of Miles for MnFIRE, and theres still time to contribute!

🔴 Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, all Miles for MnFIRE donations up to $10,000 will be matched dollar for dollar before Sept. 21. That means that if you give now, your impact will be doubled!

🔴 Those who donate $200 or more will receive a special Miles for MnFIRE hat – check out Doug and Kyle rocking their hats below!

Your donations are thoroughly appreciated not only by the walkers, but also by firefighters and their families across the state who receive assistance from MnFIRE year-round. Thank you for your support! https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/

It was a hot day, but Minnesota firefighters and Miles for MnFIRE walkers Doug Foote and Kyle Bode completed 18 miles on their more than 150-mile trek from Duluth to St. Paul.

Here are a few photos from day four, which included a visit to Finlayson Elementary. The smiles and cheers from these kids were exactly what our walkers needed to lift their spirits!

Wednesday, Sept. 17, is the biggest day of the walk, covering more than 25 miles between Groningen and Pine City. Let's go!

Read more day 4 highlights here: mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire-day-4/
... See MoreSee Less

It was a hot day, but Minnesota firefighters and Miles for MnFIRE walkers Doug Foote and Kyle Bode completed 18 miles on their more than 150-mile trek from Duluth to St. Paul. 

Here are a few photos from day four, which included a visit to Finlayson Elementary. The smiles and cheers from these kids were exactly what our walkers needed to lift their spirits! 

Wednesday, Sept. 17, is the biggest day of the walk, covering more than 25 miles between Groningen and Pine City. Lets go! 

Read more day 4 highlights here: https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire-day-4/Image attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment
2 days ago

Firefighters Doug Foote and Kyle Bode are walking more than 150 miles from Duluth to St. Paul this week to raise awareness and funds for firefighter health.

Follow along on their journey and support MnFIRE at mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/.
... See MoreSee Less

Firefighters Doug Foote and Kyle Bode are walking more than 150 miles from Duluth to St. Paul this week to raise awareness and funds for firefighter health.

Follow along on their journey and support MnFIRE at https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/.
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