John, It sounds like you have a few wonderful outlets and you are managing your stress relatively well. Walking dogs can be a great stress reliever and I'm certain the dogs enjoy it too!
Dr. Melissa Read
Right now, to deal with stress, I try to work out at least three times per week. I go running and swimming to help alleviate stress; it tends to work really well! Unless I get so busy that I don't have the time to work out...
I believe the 2 things that will benefit me the most in learning to cope with stress are exercise and sharing my concerns with someone I can trust.
Tammy, Excellent to hear! Regular exercise is hard when timing is tight. I recommend starting slow and working your way up if you can't jump in all at once.
Dr. Melissa Read
Tammy, Excellent to hear! Regular exercise is hard when timing is tight. I recommend starting slow and working your way up if you can't jump in all at once.
Dr. Melissa Read
Jenni, Yes, it's interesting how investing in one stress outlet can help contribute to others. I am glad you are able to experience the multiple benefits of exercise.
Dr. Melissa Read
I plan to start by implementing a REGULAR exercise routine and breathing exercises instead of when I get time exercises.
Exercise is a great way to decrease stress in that it makes the body more relaxed. But it also increases the possibility of having better sleep so the body can rest and renew its energy.
One thing to do is accept the fact that the stress is going to be a part of my life and make a conscious decision to allocate it only a certain percentage of my attention. I know it sounds goofy, but sometimes just assigning an arbitrary limit already makes me feel better. Other than that, I spend lots of time playing with my dogs and walking them. Combining exercise with unconditional affection is a pretty good antidote to stress!
IDA, I completely agree. Of course, we have to choose the people who we share with carefully. Some people are great listeners. Others are dealing with too much of their own stress are not able to handle the burden of ours.
Dr. Melissa Read
Victoria, Those sounds like two wonderful outlets. I'm curious to hear more about the kind of exercise that works best for you.
Dr. Melissa Read
Sharing with co workers who understand your work life can give you valuable feedback , and you don't feel all alone.
Exercise is the best stress reducer I have found.
More exercise, that has been helpful over the years. Also I will talk about it to my family .
One of the things I'm working on currently is getting more quality sleep. I've found that eliminating late-night television has helped. Also, I am physically active each day and work out at the gym at least twice per week. If I feel stressed about work and/or other things at night, I have found reading relaxes me and keeps me from over-thinking. Quality sleep has not come easy but I continue to work diligently to obtain it.
Norma, Well you've got to have priorities, don't you. If sleep is that important for you, it sounds like you are spending time doing what's right for you.
Dr. Melissa Read
For me it's all about sleeping!!!! I substitute socializing with colleagues, just for a powernap during lunch break>>>
DaGabrielle, Preparation ahead of time can save you time in the end. It's so much easier to to manage when you've done prep work in advance.
Dr. Melissa Read
Manal, It sounds like you are at a point in life where you are ready to invest in yourself. This sounds like a healthy approach. All of these things you identify here are wonderful outlets.
Dr. Melissa Read
Carla, Exercise usually helps. I'm curious to hear your ideas on the right exercise for you. Running, swimming and yoga tend to be quite popular in these forums.
Dr. Melissa Read
