I will utilize and manage "stressor lists".
I cope by talking to co-worker who have some of the same stress points as me, helps all of us. Also I am a hunter and enjoy that very much and it does make me feel very good.
I have been kickboxing for years and recently increased my work out days. It has helped take my mind off of my stressors and I feel mentally stronger also.
I find that retreating and making time for 'me time' - no matter how short of a time it may be - really helps to reduce my stress levels. I carry most of my tension in my neck and shoulders - I practice yoga and try to get regular massages to combat this. Music is also a great relief - I get to tune out while tuning in.
I used stress reducing techniques throughout my 35 years in law enforcement with a fair degree of success. I quit smoking, I ran up to 5 miles per day in my younger years, and switched to a bicycle when running was no longer a wise option, and my daily ride has become my "mental sanctuary" for a period of time each day. The physical positives are not as important as the mental positives I get from "my special time." Along with exercise, I try not to get caught up in the "soap opera" gossip that goes on in the workplace, and I try to be supportive of my administration and fellow-instructors. I believe projecting a positive attitude helps keep my stress level low. I also know I can walk away if the stress ever begins to erode the quality of life I have come to enjoy, and teaching is a big part of it.
Dawn, That is understandable. Some of us just don't find ourselves in a position to invest much time in ourselves. Doing something small, like breathing or stretching, can still add value.
Dr. Melissa Read
Michael, Sounds like a wonderful first step! An organized desk and computer can go a long way in helping you feel on top of things.
Dr. Melissa Read
If I don't have time to exercise, a few moments to focus on deep breathing and quieting my mind helps.
The orginization of my desk and the computor files to work with my cohort will be the first things we can do to allow for a smooth transition between classes.
Create a priority list as well as try and incorporate mediation and exercise into my weekly routine.
Excercising is excellent for relieving stress. It gets your entire system going and releasing toxins.
Cynthia, It sounds like you have found a wonderful and healthy approach to coping with stress. I admire how many different coping mechanisms you have available.
Dr. Melissa Read
Christina-Rose, Indeed it would. The best part about breathing exercises is that you can do them almost anywhere. It's nice to have a coping mechanism always in your back pocket like this.
Dr. Melissa Read
I would love to cut down on coffee!! I de-stress by playing piano. I can really lose myself in a piece and forget about what was stressing me out. After 20-30 minutes of Mozart I'm ready to begin my next task!
I could introduce more breathing and exercise techniques to my schedule. I'm sure that would help to reduce some of my stress.
Exercise more and just take some time to myself and relax
In order to cope with the stressors in my life that cannot be eliminated or reduced, I use a couple different strategies depending on my available time and the circumstance. Taking a walk outside for 15-30 minutes during lunch, chatting with my best friend, or going to the gym before work are all methods I've employed. I found several great "wall stretches" online that are very helpful when I only have a brief couple minutes (or seconds!) at work.
work out more and talk to co-workers about issues that they may have as well.
Christine, It sounds like you have found two wonderful stress outlets! That's great to hear. Finding a walking partner who you could also share with could be a fun way to combine the two. Keeping them separate also works.
Dr. Melissa Read
I totally agree that exercise is something that Ireally need to focus on in order to minimize my stress. My husband was diagnosed with cancer this summer and I have two daughters who need attention. I took a part time teaching position at a new school which probably turned out to be more stressful than if I stayed full time in a place where I taught for 8 years. exercise on a steady basis would certainly hope me to cope better.
