Stress coping mechanisms proves vital for Resiliency Training Graduate

By Renee Reese, Fort Stewart Public AffairsJanuary 26, 2012

Recent Resiliency Training Graduate
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT STEWART, Ga. - Department of the Army Civilian, Renthia Richardson, gained a greater sense of self and how to better serve customers by participating in recently held Resiliency Training class.

Richardson, an Army Substance Abuse Program support specialist, joined other Army Civilians Jan. 12 to mark a training milestone after successfully completing the four-day course offered through Army Community Service.

Richardson's supervisor asked that she and other teammates attend the training to better support their ASAP customers.

"My co-workers who previously attended the training returned to work refreshed and they inspired me to register for the training," Richardson said.

The Philadelphia, Pa. native said the skills learned from the training aids her and her teammates in their line of work with strengthening the Army's workforce.

"I work in an area where we interact with customers that are going through things," explained Richardson. "Many people don't know how to bounce back, or recover and they think 'this is it'. Resiliency training offers good tools for relieving stress and simply putting things into perspective. It is an excellent training tool."

The retired first sergeant says that the Army's commitment to such training greatly benefits Soldiers and wished the training was available for her when she was on active-duty.

Richardson explained, "We did not get this training and we could have used it. The tools learned could have helped me during deployment and Family separation."

The avid book reader greatly benefited from the relaxation techniques discussed during the class. Simply learning better ways to relax her mind after a busy work day helps to prepare her for the next day.

"I went online to MilitaryOneSource and ordered the book 'Feeling Good' and the compact disk 'Release your stress' for my entire Family to enjoy at the recommendation of a Resiliency training instructor," Richardson said. "My husband listens to the relaxation music while resting, or preparing for bed and Jeral, my 11-year-old son, reads the book to me."

Another exercise she found helpful was the daily assignment of 'hunting for the good stuff.'

"The daily homework assignment was inspiring and exciting," Richardson said. "I would hunt for the good stuff while at home and at work. I also make a point to smile and it seems to catch on with others and makes us all a little more cheerful."

Additionally, the busy mother has found creative ways to stay connected with her Family while she works to obtain her second bachelors degree in Human Services.

"My son Jeral and I have Tee Time at 6:30 a.m. each weekday morning," Richardson explained. "Since I'm in school at night we use this time to catch up and talk about classes and what is coming up. I don't ask general questions but rather specifics to get more information and stay better connected."

Utilizing the skills set forth in the training has helped Richardson better understand her daily limitations as an employee, mother and student.

"Realizing what you can and cannot do in a way helps you feel better," Richardson said. "It [process] calms you as you go about your day."

Richardson strongly recommends the course to Civilians and feels as though learning how to cope with daily stressors is beneficial at home, work and school.

"The class will make you feel better about yourself at work and at home," Richardson said. "The interaction among the attendees and instructors was wonderful. We had a really good time, so you wanted to go to the class."