Gail, It sounds like you have identified a number of great coping mechanisms. What I like about your list is the way each is manageable and something you could leverage for a long time.
Dr. Melissa Read
I plan to walk around a nearby lake either alone or with a friend. If with a friend, I'll share and benefit from talk therapy. I'm taking yoga twice a week and will increase my personal yoga time on my other days concentrating on my breathing and stretching. I will also embrace an earlier bedtime of 10pm to allow enough time for my body and mind to replenish.
I will start sharing more. I tend to keep my stress to myself, and then I start feeling out of control. I believe that by discussing with others I will be able to get some help in how to deal with my stressors.
Sue, It sounds like you have a great handle on both the techniques available for coping with stress as well as the ones that work particularly well for you. Excellent to hear! Yes, walking and breathing really work. It's nice to hear you found a way to do these in your workplace too!
Dr. Melissa Read
I always discuss my stresses with my girlfriend and my other friends. In terms of work stresses, the admin staff at my school is very good at listening as well and they are proactive to make the instructors life better. I also have eliminated drinking and do yoga regularly.
These thing all help tremendously.
It's all common knowledge we've heard our whole adult life - plenty of rest and exercise reduces stress and lowers blood pressure. Deep breathing techniques help to calm us down. It's all true; we know it, and yet we tend to get caught up with all the things on our "to do" list and life in general that these simple things get forgotten. I have started a daily exercise routine walking the halls at work during class breaks. I use the breathing technique and find it works well for me especially at night if I'm having trouble getting to sleep. I always have my students take deep breaths before I give out an exam to help calm their nerves.
Ha nie, Yes, sometimes taking a step back is the best way to find a solution for a problem. Sometimes we just need to hit the reset button in order to be at our best when we return.
Dr. Melissa Read
Take a break, think about the problem, and identify the best coping mechanism that can be used.
Jeannine, Sounds like you have a wonderful exercise routine is place. Great work! It's nice to hear that you've found a way to incorporate your kids too. I imagine they'll grow up with good habits that you have shown them by example.
Dr. Melissa Read
Rebecca, Sounds like the right approach. People who experience eye strain at work really need breaks. Sometimes getting glasses or adjusting your current prescription can help too. You might consider it if it has been a little while.
Dr. Melissa Read
Find ways to improve,and be more productive with the stressfull process.
I will focus more on my breathing patterns to de-stress myself and cope with the stressors at hand.
Another big stressor for me is the amount of time I spend in front of the computer grading papers each day. It makes my eyes hurt, i begin to feel fatigued and drained by the end of the day. I think exercise would really help. I have a 30 min break in between my classes, and there is a track near by. I am going to start walking.
My outlet is exercising. If it is for a short walk, bike ride or yoga session during my lunch break. 20-30 minutes already make a big difference, which shows that there is not that much time needed! I also like to go on walks with my kids (in the stroller), or go pick them up from daycare or go grocery shopping (using the stroller instead of the car).
Timothy, Excellent to hear. Life does get better when we increase positive coping mechanisms and decrease the negative ones. At first, these kinds of changes can feel a little uncomfortable but they are well worth it!
Dr. Melissa Read
I will attempt to get more exercise, even if it's just going out and walking around town when I get home. I will also attempt not coping with as much coffee and red bull as I do currently.
I just got a new puppy and will start taking him for a walk every morning before work and every evening after work. The excersie will be great for both of us.
Glenn, Walking is a great stress relief and we can do it almost anywhere. It's also surprisingly amazing for weight loss too. Walking is such a great, low impact activity. We avoid sports injury by doing it and it's easy to work into our routines.
Dr. Melissa Read
Nick, Yes, there are some sources of stress in our lives that simply cannot be eliminated. When we find ourselves facing them, it's good to ask about the kinds of coping mechanisms could we rely on to make these stressors a little easier to deal with. When facing traffic, some instructors like to listen to music or books on tape. Others carpool or talk on the cell phone (where permitted) for some good conversation.
Dr. Melissa Read
David, Wow, your location sounds great. Yes, there are so many outdoor activities available to you in your area. Hiking is a great outlet. Skiing and snowboarding work great too.
Dr. Melissa Read
