The detectives of Law and Order: SVU deal with a lot of stress.
Benson, Tutuola and Munch have to balance their compassion for victims, anger for the criminals and frustration with the system in a way that doesn’t trigger a yelling match with Captain Cragen.
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Stress management for these fictional NYPD officers usually results in bad decisions and dented lockers. But you can still learn a few solid lessons from their bad examples. Breathe deep, and take a cue from Olivia.
Punching a pillow can release some tension. But to get the full cathartic effect of destruction, you're going to need something you can really demolish. If you don't have the authority to break down a perp's door, busting an ugly coffee mug will do.
Life is stressful, and no amount of lavender-scented candles can protect you. Find at least one thing to smile about each day, whether it's free cake in the break room or an awkwardly crafted pun made at a felon's expense.
When you keep all the stress in your life to yourself, your anxiety level is only going to escalate until it finally reaches a boiling point and you snap at your boss or try to strangle a suspect. Reach out to a good listener before it gets that bad.
Chronic tension is best relieved by lung-shaking yells. Do your screaming in a deserted area rather than at someone else, because that will just lead to more stress.
Many of the minor break downs Benson and Stabler suffered over the years could have been avoided if they just hugged more.
If you work for the Special Victims Unit, and decide to blow off some steam with a sparkly dress or a quiet night home, terrible crimes that demand your immediate attention will happen. But for everyone else going out, enjoying a night on the town is a perfect way to unwind.
Sharing your feelings of stress with a confidant can make your problems seem smaller. And it's always better to let them know your situation before your disproportionate anger does it for you.
Sometimes the only thing left to do for the anxious ball of nerves sitting in your chest is to put on "Someone Like You" and cry until dehydration sets in. You could also do yoga, but crying doesn't require a mat.
Exercise can be a great way to relieve tension -- unless you find a body. Just stay on the path.
Captain Cragen’s life is packed with stress, but just one hug from an adorable gibbon, and he's completely chill. In the absence of gibbons, dogs and cats should also be effective.
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