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OPORA — Stress Relief

One programme is open now: 14 lessons and seven practical skills for everyday stress.

14-day programme

Stress Relief

It's hard to switch off and unwind

Notice reactions, practise small pauses and make space for recovery.

Calm · steadiness · recovery

Choose programmeAbout Stress Relief
OPORA · STRESS RELIEF

Stress Relief · 7 skills across 14 lessons

Week one introduces seven skills; week two revisits them with more independent practice.

  1. Notice stress signals early1 + 8 / 14
  2. Return attention to the present2 + 9 / 14
  3. Adjust body tension gently3 + 10 / 14
  4. Stay steady alongside feelings4 + 11 / 14
  5. Unhook from worrying thoughts5 + 12 / 14
  6. Set boundaries and seek support6 + 13 / 14
  7. Recover and take manageable action7 + 14 / 14

Self-guided education for everyday stress, not shock-trauma or PTSD treatment and not a replacement for professional care. You may stop or skip any exercise.

Start Stress Relief
THE 14-DAY JOURNEY

Seven practical skills · 14 days

Learn seven core skills during week one, then use each again with greater independence in week two. Other specialist routes keep their own lesson sequence.

One lesson each day · 8–12 min

00 · Assessment before the course

Day 1 + 8My personal anchor

Looking around is only the beginning. Find a small personal sign of steadiness and connect it with an action you can actually choose. Calm is not a requirement.

Day 1My personal anchor

Day 8Anchor when rushed

Day 2 + 9Feeling real support

Today we notice that the chair or floor is already supporting us. This may offer steadiness without changing breathing, posture or mood.

Day 2Notice the chair supporting you

Day 9Choose a more supported position

Day 3 + 10Releasing extra effort

Today we practise easing effort in one small movement rather than forcing the whole body to relax. A brief rest is also a valid choice.

Day 3Soften one hand a little

Day 10Choose how much effort to use

Day 4 + 11Naming feelings kindly

Today we practise gently naming a feeling without judging it. Even if the feeling stays, we can respond to ourselves with care and respect.

Day 4Name a feeling and be kind to yourself

Day 11Stay kind to yourself when feelings change

Day 5 + 12Making room around worried thoughts

Today we practise noticing a worried thought as a thought, not an order or a verified fact. There is no need to argue with it or force it away.

Day 5“I am having the thought that…”

Day 12A worried thought is not an instruction

Day 6 + 13Human connection and gentle boundaries

Today we practise asking for available support while protecting our pace. A request or boundary can first be rehearsed silently, without a real conversation.

Day 6Rehearse one supportive request

Day 13Ask for support while keeping your pace

Day 7 + 14Your personal support routine

Today we combine familiar skills into a small personal routine: notice a signal, choose one support and keep rest or help as a backup. One step is enough.

Day 7Make a personal OPORA pocket plan

Day 14Revisit the support that works for you

All 14 daily exercises and resultsExercises, outcomes and related measurements
  1. 01My personal anchorMy personal anchor

    Exercise: Find a personal anchor instead of merely counting objects.

    Observable learning result: One personal association and a possible support step

    Lesson methods: Body experience · Emotional experience · Mental experience: notice and plan · Guided imagery with gentle music · Daily ritual: bring it into life

    Body experience

    Notice a chair or your hands resting for 15 seconds. If body focus is uncomfortable, look at a steady object instead.

    Emotional experience

    Name one mild feeling alongside this moment: curiosity, tiredness or uncertainty. Any answer, including none, is fine.

    Mental experience: notice and plan

    Notice one ordinary cue today when attention jumps between tasks or you start to rush. Do not monitor yourself all day.

    When that cue appears, recall your anchor and choose a short pause, rest or support if available.
    Guided imagery with gentle music

    Imagine a lighthouse by a quiet shore. Its light is only a reminder that you can choose; a colour alone is enough.

    Daily ritual: bring it into life

    Choose a small everyday object as a pause cue. Place it nearby once and allow yourself not to rush.

    Music plays only after a tap. All exercises are optional.
    Stress and loadAnxiety and tensionMental clarity
  2. 02Notice the chair supporting youFeeling real support

    Exercise: Try the three-support-point experiment and choose comfort over correctness.

    Observable learning result: A comfortable support point or a decision to stop

    Lesson methods: Body experience · Emotional experience · Mental experience: notice and plan · Guided imagery with gentle music · Daily ritual: bring it into life

    Body experience

    If comfortable, compare the support at your feet, seat and hands. Stay for ten seconds with the easiest point.

    Emotional experience

    What mild feeling accompanies the choice: neutrality, relief or even irritation? Nothing needs fixing.

    Mental experience: notice and plan

    Notice one ordinary moment when sitting or standing might offer a more comfortable support point.

    At your next quiet break revisit the chosen support. If it does not fit, use a visible object instead.
    Guided imagery with gentle music

    Picture a broad steady path beneath you, or use the word “support”. No sensation is required.

    Daily ritual: bring it into life

    Rest your hands on a comfortable surface and lift them again. This is a choice ritual, not a test of your body.

    Music plays only after a tap. All exercises are optional.
    Anxiety and tensionMental clarityAbility to choose
  3. 03Soften one hand a littleReleasing extra effort

    Exercise: Experiment with 10% less effort, comparing two comfortable positions.

    Observable learning result: A comfortable adjustment, original position or rest

    Lesson methods: Body experience · Emotional experience · Mental experience: notice and plan · Guided imagery with gentle music · Daily ritual: bring it into life

    Body experience

    Rest one hand. If comfortable, ease finger effort slightly and compare it with your original position.

    Emotional experience

    Name a common reaction to effort: mild frustration, haste or neutrality. It does not need to change.

    Mental experience: notice and plan

    Notice during a non-urgent task when you may be using more effort than it needs.

    Try a lighter movement once or take a break. Keep your old way if it works better.
    Guided imagery with gentle music

    Imagine a leaf resting lightly on your hand, or just use the word “lighter”. No sensation is required.

    Daily ritual: bring it into life

    Open a hand and let it rest comfortably, if safe. Make it a reminder that doing a little less is allowed.

    Music plays only after a tap. All exercises are optional.
    Anxiety and tensionRecoveryEnergy
  4. 04Name a feeling and be kind to yourselfNaming feelings kindly

    Exercise: Try an emotional weather report, followed by one caring response.

    Observable learning result: A named feeling or fictional example and a kind response

    Lesson methods: Body experience · Emotional experience · Mental experience: notice and plan · Guided imagery with gentle music · Daily ritual: bring it into life

    Body experience

    Choose a steady sitting or standing position. No need to track your chest, stomach or breath.

    Emotional experience

    Take a mild feeling, or a fictional character’s feeling. Describe its weather: wind, clouds or clear sky.

    Mental experience: notice and plan

    Notice the difference between “I feel sad right now” and “there is something wrong with me”. The second is a judgment.

    When a mild feeling appears, try naming it without judgment and saying “I can care for myself”.
    Guided imagery with gentle music

    Imagine a sky in which different clouds may be present. A single colour or the word “sky” is enough.

    Daily ritual: bring it into life

    Trace a small circle in the air, or silently name the weather. Finish with one kind phrase.

    Music plays only after a tap. All exercises are optional.
    MoodAnxiety and tensionSelf-support
  5. 05“I am having the thought that…”Making room around worried thoughts

    Exercise: Try thought radio: notice an inner commentary without treating it as an order.

    Observable learning result: One way to notice a thought and choose a response

    Lesson methods: Body experience · Emotional experience · Mental experience: notice and plan · Guided imagery with gentle music · Daily ritual: bring it into life

    Body experience

    Set your phone down briefly if safe. Notice how comfortably your hands or back are supported.

    Emotional experience

    In a safe fictional example, name mild worry or impatience. No personal fear needs revisiting.

    Mental experience: notice and plan

    Thought example: “I must reply now.” Add “I notice I am having the thought that…”. A thought is not an order.

    Before one non-urgent reply choose what fits: reply later, check a fact or pause.
    Guided imagery with gentle music

    Imagine an old radio: the thought makes a sound, but you decide how much attention to give. A word works too.

    Daily ritual: bring it into life

    If comfortable, place your phone face down for 20 seconds. Let it signal “this thought can wait”.

    Music plays only after a tap. All exercises are optional.
    Mental clarityAnxiety and tensionAbility to choose
  6. 06Rehearse one supportive requestHuman connection and gentle boundaries

    Exercise: Try a support phrase: rehearse a respectful boundary without sending anything.

    Observable learning result: A suitable phrase or permission to defer

    Lesson methods: Body experience · Emotional experience · Mental experience: notice and plan · Guided imagery with gentle music · Daily ritual: bring it into life

    Body experience

    Find a comfortable position before a silent phrase. No need to change posture or speak aloud.

    Emotional experience

    Name a mild feeling that can accompany a request: awkwardness, caution or relief.

    Mental experience: notice and plan

    In a fictional dialogue, separate a request from an obligation. What words could give you a little time?

    Prepare: “I need time to think; I will reply later.” No need to say or send it in real life.
    Guided imagery with gentle music

    Imagine a door to a quiet room. You can leave it open or partly close it; this is your choice.

    Daily ritual: bring it into life

    Silently rehearse one respectful boundary and finish with a small nod to yourself. No real confrontation.

    Music plays only after a tap. All exercises are optional.
    Connection and supportDaily functioningAvailable support
  7. 07Make a personal OPORA pocket planYour personal support routine

    Exercise: Build your 2+1 support kit: two personal options and one fallback.

    Observable learning result: A personal 2+1 combination or a minimal honest option

    Lesson methods: Body experience · Emotional experience · Mental experience: notice and plan · Guided imagery with gentle music · Daily ritual: bring it into life

    Body experience

    Choose a comfortable resting place. Notice one physical support, or use a visible object instead.

    Emotional experience

    What might choosing feel like: confidence, doubt or indifference? All are acceptable in this exercise.

    Mental experience: notice and plan

    Recall two skills learned so far. Decide which would fit a mild fictional situation.

    Make an if–then plan: “If demands rise, I can try ___; if that fails, I can choose ___.” One option is fine.
    Guided imagery with gentle music

    Picture a light backpack with two useful items and space to rest. No need to fill it with imaginary power.

    Daily ritual: bring it into life

    Draw “2 + 1” on paper, or arrange three small objects. It is a reminder of supports and a fallback.

    Music plays only after a tap. All exercises are optional.
    RecoveryDaily functioningEnergy
  8. 08Anchor when rushedMy personal anchorSkill check

    Exercise: Test whether your chosen anchor fits a mildly rushed moment.

    Observable learning result: A personal anchor tested or changed

    Lesson methods: Body experience · Emotional experience · Mental experience: notice and plan · Guided imagery with gentle music · Daily ritual: bring it into life

    Body experience

    During a safe pause, notice foot or hand support, then look briefly at your day-one anchor.

    Emotional experience

    With a fictional non-urgent message, name mild haste or neutrality; you need not relax.

    Mental experience: notice and plan

    Notice when haste sounds like “right now”. Which part is genuinely urgent and which can wait?

    Before one non-urgent reply recall your day-one anchor and choose a pause, rest or slower pace.
    Guided imagery with gentle music

    Imagine a lighthouse among distant city lights. It does not remove haste; it reminds you that direction is a choice.

    Daily ritual: bring it into life

    In a fictional example, pause once before a reply and look at your anchor. No message need be sent.

    Music plays only after a tap. All exercises are optional.
    Stress and loadAnxiety and tensionMental clarity
  9. 09Choose a more supported positionFeeling real supportSkill check

    Exercise: Try moving attention between two comfortable supports without strain.

    Observable learning result: An option to switch support points rehearsed

    Lesson methods: Body experience · Emotional experience · Mental experience: notice and plan · Guided imagery with gentle music · Daily ritual: bring it into life

    Body experience

    Move attention between two comfortable support points, such as the chair and hands. Stop if uncomfortable.

    Emotional experience

    Notice a mild feeling when switching supports: curiosity, boredom or nothing clear.

    Mental experience: notice and plan

    How might you know one support is not right today? Use comfort, not a score of success.

    At your next transition try one support; if uncomfortable, switch to another or rest.
    Guided imagery with gentle music

    Imagine a bridge with two broad handrails. You may choose either, or stay on the near shore.

    Daily ritual: bring it into life

    During a quiet moment touch one safe support, optionally another, then let the task end.

    Music plays only after a tap. All exercises are optional.
    Anxiety and tensionMental clarityAbility to choose
  10. 10Choose how much effort to useReleasing extra effortSkill check

    Exercise: Bring a lighter touch to one everyday action.

    Observable learning result: An effort level chosen with awareness

    Lesson methods: Body experience · Emotional experience · Mental experience: notice and plan · Guided imagery with gentle music · Daily ritual: bring it into life

    Body experience

    Compare one hand before and after a tiny release of effort. Do not move through pain.

    Emotional experience

    How might doing less feel: relief, doubt or annoyance? A fictional example is enough.

    Mental experience: notice and plan

    For an everyday task compare “enough” with “perfect”. You need not believe either phrase.

    During a non-urgent task optionally reduce one effort, make the task smaller or take a rest.
    Guided imagery with gentle music

    Imagine a feather near your hand. It does not cause relaxation; it only suggests a gentler option.

    Daily ritual: bring it into life

    Before a small action silently say “enough”. Do it comfortably, or choose to rest.

    Music plays only after a tap. All exercises are optional.
    Anxiety and tensionRecoveryEnergy
  11. 11Stay kind to yourself when feelings changeNaming feelings kindlySkill check

    Exercise: Practise kindness even when a mild feeling does not disappear.

    Observable learning result: A kind phrase while a feeling may remain

    Lesson methods: Body experience · Emotional experience · Mental experience: notice and plan · Guided imagery with gentle music · Daily ritual: bring it into life

    Body experience

    Notice the support of your seat. If inward focus is hard, keep your eyes on a neutral object.

    Emotional experience

    Name the weather of a mild feeling and say: “This may be here, and I can still choose care.”

    Mental experience: notice and plan

    Compare “I am failing” with “this feels hard right now”. You can just compare the wording.

    During a mild inconvenience choose one kind phrase. No need to change the feeling itself.
    Guided imagery with gentle music

    Picture a cloud remaining in a broad sky. You do not have to make it disappear.

    Daily ritual: bring it into life

    Gently trace a table surface, or draw a cloud on paper. Finish with a non-judging phrase.

    Music plays only after a tap. All exercises are optional.
    MoodAnxiety and tensionSelf-support
  12. 12A worried thought is not an instructionMaking room around worried thoughtsSkill check

    Exercise: Separate a fact from a worrying forecast without forced optimism.

    Observable learning result: An ordinary fact distinguished from a prediction

    Lesson methods: Body experience · Emotional experience · Mental experience: notice and plan · Guided imagery with gentle music · Daily ritual: bring it into life

    Body experience

    Rest your hands comfortably and look at one item. It is an external anchor, not an attempt to shut thoughts off.

    Emotional experience

    For a fictional unanswered message, name possible impatience or uncertainty without escalating the story.

    Mental experience: notice and plan

    Separate two cards: fact “no answer yet” and prediction “I am being ignored”. They are different claims.

    Next time ask: “What do I know, and what am I guessing?” Then you may return to your task.
    Guided imagery with gentle music

    Imagine two baskets marked “fact” and “guess”. Sort two sample phrases into them.

    Daily ritual: bring it into life

    If safe, write “fact / guess” and place one mark next to it. No personal story needed.

    Music plays only after a tap. All exercises are optional.
    Mental clarityAnxiety and tensionAbility to choose
  13. 13Ask for support while keeping your paceHuman connection and gentle boundariesSkill check

    Exercise: Rehearse a respectful request, with permission to change your mind.

    Observable learning result: A respectful boundary phrase drafted or declined

    Lesson methods: Body experience · Emotional experience · Mental experience: notice and plan · Guided imagery with gentle music · Daily ritual: bring it into life

    Body experience

    Before rehearsing a phrase, notice your seat or the floor. Speaking and changing breath are not required.

    Emotional experience

    Name possible mild awkwardness or caution about saying no. A fictional character is fine.

    Mental experience: notice and plan

    Compare “I must always agree” with “I may politely ask for time”. Which fits a safe situation?

    Prepare “I will return to this later.” Do not test it in an unsafe conversation.
    Guided imagery with gentle music

    Picture a garden gate. You may open it, close it gently or leave it as it is. You choose your boundary.

    Daily ritual: bring it into life

    Silently rehearse your chosen phrase once, then look at an ordinary item. No message is sent.

    Music plays only after a tap. All exercises are optional.
    Connection and supportDaily functioningAvailable support
  14. 14Revisit the support that works for youYour personal support routineSkill check

    Exercise: Rehearse your personal route for an ordinary day, with permission to adapt it.

    Observable learning result: A personal sequence and fallback rehearsed

    Lesson methods: Body experience · Emotional experience · Mental experience: notice and plan · Guided imagery with gentle music · Daily ritual: bring it into life

    Body experience

    Settle comfortably and notice one support point. If it does not fit, switch to rest or an external object.

    Emotional experience

    At the end you might feel pleased, tired, unsure or nothing special. None means failure.

    Mental experience: notice and plan

    Recall two skills that genuinely felt workable. Separately name a fallback if neither helps.

    Plan: “When I notice ___, I may try ___; if it does not fit, I can choose ___.” Keep it flexible.
    Guided imagery with gentle music

    Imagine a path with resting places. You may stop, turn or ask for company; no need to reach an endpoint.

    Daily ritual: bring it into life

    Draw two supports and one fallback on paper, or remember them. Finish with “I can choose”.

    Music plays only after a tap. All exercises are optional.
    RecoveryDaily functioningEnergy

08 · Follow-up assessment and next routeHH Weekly Pulse is an original self-report, not a clinical trauma stage. Repeat assessments follow instrument rules.

Measurement: Weekly Pulse (8 questions) before and after; optional eligible GAD-7. Practice choices are tracked separately from symptom scores. Self-guided education and reflection, not diagnosis or a substitute for professional care.

More programmes are coming

Confidence and focus courses are in preparation. You can choose your own goals and scales within Stress Relief.

Coming soon

A SIMPLE PATH

How your course works

01

Choose your focus

Anti-Stress is selected; you choose which personal skills and goals matter.

02

Complete starting assessments

Before lesson 1: Weekly Pulse (8 questions); GAD-7 and Resource Pulse are optional.

03

One lesson at a time

Try a short practice and mark it complete. The next lesson follows when you're ready.

OUR APPROACH

The OPORA Method: how our courses work

Five steps from awareness to action. Discover the psychology-informed principles behind your personal learning journey.

Explore the OPORA Method

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These programmes offer educational self-reflection, not diagnosis or a replacement for medical or mental health care. You will sign in to your private cabinet to begin.

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