Bronzel, Sounds like a wonderful plan but also a lot of changes happening all at once. You might try to make changes gradually, one at a time, to make the transition more manageable.
Dr. Melissa Read
Kristy, Sounds like an excellent plan! It's ok to start small and work your way up. If exercising three times a week is too much, you can start with just once or twice.
Dr. Melissa Read
I definitely will begin exercising at least three times a week, increase my water intake and try to eat more healthfully. I am sure I can fit these into my schedule!
I will get more exercise and also try to eat better along with drinking water and get more sleep, so here I go.
Gregory, Sounds like a wonderful plan! Now it's time to get started. Often times, I recommend starting small and working your way up. This can be easier than going full force with everything you want to change all at once.
Dr. Melissa Read
I can incorporate healthy coping mechanisms, such as regular exercise, stretching, deep-breathing techniques, awareness, and making sure I get enough sleep. Try to keep physical exercise habits from becoming a stressor themselves, from obsession or over-use injuries.
The 2 main things I have recently attempted to put into practice on a daily basis are: (1) brisk walking first thing in the morning for about 20-30 minutes which is a proven way to stimulate serotonin levels and (2) waking up and going to bed at the same time every day (including the weekends). I also stress these things to my students to help understand that these are 2 excellent ways to not only help cope with stress, but to also improve your overall health!
The hardest thing of dealing with stressors is the easiest thing, TALK ABOUT IT with someone you know. Once the first few words come out the rest will be easy. Also, include long deep breathing while sharing your stressors!!
Qadar, Great to hear! It's nice how you've incorporated exercise into your work routine. There are some forms of exercise, like walking, that can really happen anywhere.
Dr. Melissa Read
Yes, I have found that drinking more water has been surprisingly effective. A friend of mine sent me an article stating that most of us are chronically partially dehydrated. After consciously thinking about drinking more water for a few days, I realized I felt much better! I have also done yoga, and I work in my garden as frequently as possible. I find that having a hobby I love is a great stress reducer.
Every morning at 8:20 AM, which is our first break, I take a long walk around the campus building. It takes about 15 minute to do one loop. After dinner, I take my 5 year old for a walk.
Chelsea, Sometimes reaching out to others who are in a similar situation is really the best approach for coping with stress. It can be great to not only share perspectives about our experience but also to listen to the experiences of others. Sometimes, listening helps us reframe how we view our own situations.
Dr. Melissa Read
I incorporate exercise in my daily routine and I also bring music to work with headphones to help me cope with stress caused by noise in my environment.
George, Sounds like an excellent new way to reduce stress in your everyday routine. Cycling is also a great way to experience beautiful outdoor scenery and meet fellow cyclers too.
Dr. Melissa Read
Chad, Yes, when we build a healthy and consistent routine into our schedules, this can help with stress management quite a bit. Eating and sleeping well are two simple things that can make a tremendous difference on how we feel.
Dr. Melissa Read
Coping with stress could be greatly aided within the scope of exercise at the simpilest level as waking up and going to bed at the same time and eating regular and adequate meals at the same time each day whenever possible.
I have started cycling after work and on weekends. Its low impact cardio exercise that seems to be reducing my stress levels
I have started excersising again and I have noticed a significant change in my perspective on stress. It has helped me to really think about what is important and what can wait. I feel as though I have taken control of the tasks at hand that particularly stress me out. In the future to attempt to reduce those factors that stress me out from term to term I will definitely reach out to associates that I work with to see how they cope with stress and try to figure out how to eliminate/reduce/deal with the stress factor well in advance and recognizing that it stresses me out and it needs to be dealt with.
Jane, It sounds like you have a few great techniques that you rely on to manage through stress. Yes, breathing and visualization and both great methods and they can be used anywhere. This gives you great flexibility.
Dr. Melissa Read
TIMOTHY, Yes, it's indeed the endorphins. That and perhaps the fresh air and scenery depending on where you walk. Sharing is a great coping mechanism as well. I hope you are able to bring yourself to do it more often. I know sometimes it's tough.
Dr. Melissa Read
