Jodi, Sounds like a great approach and one that is working well for you. Yes, starting with exercise in the beginning of the day can make a big difference on our outlook for the rest of the day.
Dr. Melissa Read
Jennifer, Sounds like you've got a great routine already in place. Keep it up!
Dr. Melissa Read
Try to exercise more. I've started walking early in the mornings to start off the day. I feel so much better knowing that I already got some activity in before my caffeine and it really does help clear the head. When I feel that I'm just going in circles in my head because I have so much to do, I have actually gone out and walked a bit and it actually works to clear the mind!!!
Whenever I identify a stressor that can be reduced or eliminated, I always try to figure out how to do that. For stressors that can't be eliminated or reduced, I lean more to healthy coping mechanisms these days. I try to excercise at least 1/2 hour a day by stretching, lifting weights and walking.
I will continue to exercise and practice healthy breathing doing Pilates.
I am doing the same thing. i have found that reducing caffeine throughout the day and drinking more water has helped me focus and cope better. I wish you success and hope to contiue with mine.;It really works!
Make a list of stressors I can eliminate or reduce. Think about ways I can cope with the stressors I don't have control over. One is, my husband has cancer. The chemo and other drugs have changed his personality. He often is impatient and has anxiety.
I can only effect my reaction to his behaviors.
I have considered talking (sharing)more about certain stressors, in fact it does make me feel better.By definition there are no answers,however I do feel better. In fact sometimes I come away thinking "I should probably do this more often!"
I use to run alot, and that was just great as a coping strategy, however I developed a mild form of COPD and had to dial it back. I now substitute walking but it's not the same,but it does work. I guess it's the endorphines.
Malerie, Yes, hobbies are a great outlet. Though we often have to put forth energy to maintain them, they can really take our minds away from our work. This can be helpful when we become too entrenched.
Dr. Melissa Read
Mathias, Both methods help a lot. Walking with a nice cup of coffee can be great too, together with a colleague or just by yourself!
Dr. Melissa Read
Michelle, Sometimes stepping away from it all is the best approach. It sounds like this works well for you. Taking some time for you and even just getting some fresh air can make a big difference on our outlook and how we respond to stress.
Dr. Melissa Read
The stressors in my life are both from work and home life. I find that the stressors I cannot eliminate I need to talk about with a family member. Just getting it out there really helps lessen the effects.
There are times where nothing helps, so I go for a walk to clear my head. Then I find I can prioritize what need to be completed and then start there.
Trying to prioritize my lifes obligations. Work, family, friends and my horse. Inside these 4 areas are sub-areas: commute, when's dinner?, the dog got out, why haven't you called me back? I never see you anymore, the copy machine is down, student crisis, co-worker not in today, horse just got injured.
Certainly these issues all don't happen at once, however, they do in various intances.
I try to remain calm, realizing what I can and cannot control. What I can't control, I get through it by saying to myself "tomorrow is another day and this will pass". What I can control is thinking ahead, being prepared, effective communication, and doing my best while looking at the big pictue. Dont sweat the small stuff and don't dump issues on others and make it worse. I'm learning to let go of my high emotions and if someone is hungry at dinner time and I am not there, oh well!! There is always a bowl of cereal.
Exersize has been the most beneficial part of my daily routine. Instead of spending an hour a day thoughtlessly surfing the web, I spend that time in the gym reducing stress. Getting up one hour earlier gets me my time in the gym without interfering with family life. I go to bed earlier instead of watching tv or computer time.
I use deep breathing in order to effectively cope with various situations. I also find visualization is very benefical, such as seeing myself in a place I enjoy, like the beach. I teach my students to utilize both of these techniques. I will often ask my students if they have used these techniques and ask for their results. This can lead to some very interesting and productive class discussions
between classes that I taught I used to go get a cup of coffee, now I take a walk and concentrate on long deep breaths
I have tried to reduce stresses that I am unable to eleminate by breathing, taking a walk, calling a friend or talking with my supervisor. I have also found doing hobbies helps as well. I have chosen to go out and listen to music and dance as often as I can. This has made me a lot more active and keeps me from stressing over things.
I will definitely exercise more. I've been meaning to start jogging again for months and now I have another good reason to start. I always feel so much better after a good run.
Melissa, Wow, sounds like you have some demanding roles, a substantial amount of responsibility and very little margin for error. That's tough to manage. I hope you are able to find some good coping mechanisms to get you through it. Based on what you described, breathing exercises might be the best thing.
Dr. Melissa Read
Andrew, That sounds like a healthy approach for you and the environment too! Biking is also a great way to meet people who share a common interest. Consider commuting together!
Dr. Melissa Read
