Sounds like a great approach and plan Trinidad. It's nice to know that you understand and accept that certain stressors cannot be completely eliminated. This can really help set expectations for yourself.
There are any number of stressors in my life that cannot be completely eliminated due to one reason or another. Based on what I have learned in this module about healthy coping mechanisms, in the future I will exercise three to four days a week and practice deep breathing techniques. This will help me to cope with the stress of everyday life.
deep breathing excerise talk to a co worker
That's a great approach Timothy! It's amazing how well it can work when you take a break from work, shut your device off and focus on life.
I think i will start turning my cell phone off on the weekends.
Sounds like you have developed some great coping mechanisms Katie. Great work. I also like the way you've identified the unhealthy and healthy stress reducers in your life. It's nice to have a solid understanding of the landscape, even if you're not always able to focus on only the good stress reducers.
That's great to hear Marilyn! Love the idea that several coworkers get together to unwind and take a break. It helps you stay motivated when you have a routine that involves others. Great work and keep it up!
Sounds like you have an excellent foundation to stand on so far Stuart. Taking up yoga would be a great addition to an already strong workout routine. Go ahead and give it a try!
I run and lift weights. I like the idea of breathing exercises and yoga. I think I'll take up yoga.
I need to understand that not eveverything needs to be done right now. I need to take a break and look at my work load through clear eyes and make the adjustments I need to make.
At my school, in Chicago, a few co workers and I walk towards the lake and back in the morning for exercise and sharing. We also have a garden where you can till the soil and work with your hands, un clutter your mind, breath fresh air, marvel at nature and how things grow, the simplicity of life, the importance of life.
Stretching really helps with neck pain Diane. Yoga does too. I'd go ahead and give yoga a try. You can get an instructional DVD so you don't have to even leave the house to try it.
I used to engage in some unhealthy "stress reducers" such as eating chocolate and taking the students or administrations demand to heart.
I now try and eat a healthy diet and I find that I don't have the daily ups/downs and I feel I am more productive. I also found that walking away from the task/person/or problem for 20 minutes is a great way to get a new perspective. Also, I tend to procrastinate so breaking down a job I don't want to do into small increments is very helpful.
I have found that if I schedule, 15 minutes of a task I don't want to do first thing in the morning I will generally "get into" the groove and complete it at one sitting. It's the thought of the task in it's entirity that I need to try and change.
In the afternoons I take my girls and dogs for a walk down to the lake. We like to sit on the bank and let the dogs splash in the water. It is very relaxing.
My problem is that when I get stressed out I get alot of neck pain. have in the past done breathing exercises and I have to remember to do them when I am feeling stressed out. Stretching also helps.
Diane
Sounds like a great strategy Joel! When we are realistic about what we can accomplish, we feel better about our progress.
I agree as sometimes I set high expectations
for myself. I have been working at being more realistic about myself and my goals
I have already implemented a wellness plan
I intend to incorporate breathing ativities, exercise and sharing more
I also intend to try and reduce the stressors
I feel that the best way to cope with stressors in your life that cannot be eliminated is through health coping mechanisms such as spending time with family and friends, exercise, and journaling. I feel that all three of these are ways to not only help cope with stressors but build a quality life while doing something positive. I have suggested this to several of my faculty and they tend to have the response of "their is not enough time in the day", and I simply respond with "You HAVE to make time...Just like you clock in and out of work you have to clock in and out of stress".
Excellent plan John! Go ahead and start small. Even if you fit exercise into your life just once a week, it's a great step in the right direction.
