Robert, I am glad to hear that you have found such a wonderful outlet. Also, identifying the things you can and cannot control really does bring piece of mind.
Dr. Melissa Read
Brandon, A lot of instructors mention yoga as a wonderful and low impact outlet that you can do almost anywhere. I am glad to hear it is also working so well for you!
Dr. Melissa Read
Carleton, These sound like healthy outlets. When we lose control, this can be detrimental because it can take a bit of time to recover. Trying to stay calm and in control can save us a good bit of trouble in the end.
Dr. Melissa Read
I currently use most of the coping mechanisms listed in the module, and have been consciously reminding myself to avoid my 'go to' unhealthy coping mechanism of mindlessly eating. I think one of the most effective techniques I have found is breathwork. I am amazed at the amount of tension I can feel leave my shoulders when I just close my eyes and BREATHE!
Time management is my biggest downfall. I do however consistently practice yoga which I fell is a good combination between exercise and meditation. So basically, I stress myself out but not being able to manage my time but then Im okay with it once I do my yoga. LOL!!!
Thanks, I enjoyed this course.
I find Yoga helps me prepare the most. Its a great balance between exercise and meditation.
I am fortunate that I practice a spiritual based life. There is a prayer called "The Serenity Prayer". I find that I can use this to help separate the "things that I can change" from the "things I cannot change". I can then ask GOD for the assistance I need to help me process these items.
more breathing exercise and stepping back before i blow my top.
Hello Dr. Melissa Read,
I am already taking first steps. I am looking forward to make these changes and I believe it will be good for me, as well as, everyone that I am in contact with!
Thank you,
Tom Goodhue
More sharing and exercise. I forget sometimes how well these mechanisms help reduce stress, especially sharing.
Lori, It sounds like you have a healthy outlook on stress. Yes, you are right. There are some stressors in life that simply cannot be eliminated. When we try to eliminate the ones that we have to live with, it can feel frustrating. It's a much better approach to find coping mechanisms for these as we can. I'm curious to hear more about the coping mechanisms that work well for you.
Dr. Melissa Read
Thomas, Excellent to hear you have a nice plan in place. The next step of course is doing something about it. I recommend starting small with exercise and working your way up. Even if you could just exercise two times a week, it could make a big difference in getting you on the right track.
Dr. Melissa Read
I know I have to exercise now. I have been active before and maintained my weight. I have gained weight now, as result of stress. Thank you for this module. I am going to make changes.
I will try to get more exercise and change my sleeping habits. These are two areas that I currentlty neglect.
In order to cope with stress in the future, I have to accept the fact there are some things that I cannot control. There will always be a stressor in my life. Whilst, I cannot get rid of it; I can learn to better manage it. I can learn not to procrastinate with certain stressors and deal with them head on. I can learn not to allow stressors to take control of my life. This may be done, in part, by prioritizing the stressors. I can learn to put myself before the stressors and just simply enjoy other things in life.
Jeffery, Having 3 children at home can be tough, at any ages. Yes, I think trying to focus on the positive and reminding yourself of the joy they bring to you is likely a healthy approach.
Dr. Melissa Read
Yolanda, These are great approaches. I love connecting with fellow instructors to learn more about how they approach their work. My fellow instructors are often a wealth of information and best practices that help me optimize my own approach.
Dr. Melissa Read
Cynthia, It sounds like you have several healthy outlets to rely on. This is wonderful to hear. It's good to diversify your coping mechanisms so if one falls through, you have the others to rely on.
Dr. Melissa Read
Jerrod, These are two wonderful approaches to managing stress and I can see how they work well for you. I particularly appreciate your transition from the save everyone approach. While at the onset, it can seem altruistic. However, the reality is when we try to help everyone, we often find that we help no one.
Dr. Melissa Read
Jeffery, It sounds like you know what to do. The next step is getting there. Easier said than done of course. I always recommend starting small and working your way up. Just try to exercise one or two times per week to start and see what comes of it. Grow your routine from there as you experience the positive benefits.
Dr. Melissa Read
