What do buckets have to do with stress? Quite a bit, it turns out...
Understanding The Stress Bucket
Imagine carrying a bucket throughout the day, where each thing that causes stress adds more water to the bucket. In other words:
Bucket = your capacity for stress (everyone has different sized buckets), and
Water = stress.
This metaphor, known as The Stress Bucket, serves as a visual representation of how we manage stress.
If you have autism, daily experiences like sensory overload, navigating social scenarios, and adapting to changes can mean your bucket fills up very quickly.
Recognising these stressors is pivotal in managing how much water – or stress – your bucket can hold before it overflows.
The fuller your bucket is, the harder it is to carry.
Identifying Stressors
Stressors – things that cause you stress – fill your bucket.
Therefore, knowing what your stressors are is crucial. This awareness enables you to develop strategies for avoiding these stressors or mitigating their effects, aiming to prevent the bucket from becoming too full.
Preventing Overflow
To manage stress effectively, you should aim to:
Reduce the incoming stress, and
Actively remove some stress from your bucket.
Reducing Incoming Stress
Strategies such as establishing a predictable routine, using sensory tools, and engaging in special interests can help reduce incoming stress.
Removing Some Stress From the Stress Bucket
Imagine your stress bucket has a tap at the bottom. Like this:
Opening the tap gets rid of some of the contents of your bucket (some stress).
Relaxation and stress-relief activities effectively open your tap, allowing stress to drain away and preventing the bucket from overflowing. Activities that can help open this tap might include:
Sleep.
Spending time on special interests.
Physical exercise or time outdoors.
Being with others (or alone).
You'll find some more ideas here: 16 Autistic Self Care Ideas.
Visualising The Stress Bucket
Here is a diagram illustrating The Stress Bucket:
Watch the short video below for a more in-depth understanding of the Stress Bucket concept:
A helpful worksheet is also available on the Young Minds website; click the button below to access it.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the Stress Bucket can help autistic people (and their support network) manage stress. By identifying stressors, utilising preventative strategies, and engaging in activities that open the stress-reducing tap, managing daily stress becomes an achievable goal. Remember, it's about maintaining balance and allowing yourself the space and activities needed to handle life's stresses.
