Due to my workload and some other home issues, there are several high-stress responsibilities that I cannnot reduce or eliminate. Living in Colorado gives me a perfect outlet for my stress. I love to hike. I can get through pretty much anything during the week as long as I know I have a good hike or two coming up on the weekends. During the week, early morning visits to the gym also help.
My best solution is simply going home and distressing with family and friends. Bouncing stresses of work with my wife is great, she's in industry so she understands what it is that we do...
Exercise and talking with a friend or relative help me cope with stress. Unfortunately, sometimes the time it takes to exercise stresses me. I find myself thinking about the deadlines I could be working to obtain; if I take the time to work out.
I will imply short work-outs in these situations and will stick with an exercise schedule whenever feasible.
I was pleased to learn that something I enjoy doing would help with some of my personal stressors, like working out. So I'll definitely start doing that a little more often and also getting more sleep is something I practiced just last night.
I don'tfeel like I can eliminate my stressors like big city traffic so I will definitely look for more appropriate routes to and from work. Ican also get a more effective sitter for my kids as well.
I have always found walking, to work well for me. If I am feeling especially stressed at certain times, I find going outside for a quick walk works wonders.
-Glenn Hobbs
I need to exercise more. I believe that will help relieve a lot of stress. Also stretching in the morning is something that I should do more often.
I find that mindfulness or "staying in the moment" really helps decrease my stress level during the day! I focus on what I am doing at the moment rather than thinking of all the other issues in my life.
Meditation each night helps me sleep. I have noticed that when I do not do this, I wake up the next day really groggy and unfocused.
Lastly, I love water exercise and have noticed that when I swim every other day it really calms me. Since my complex pool is outside I will have to wait until the weather gets a bit warmer.
Niurka, So true. Sports are a great outlet and can be a lot of fun for us too. They can also be a great way to connect with our friends and meet new friends too.
Dr. Melissa Read
One of the goals for myself would be to do the deep breathing and stretching exercises. Maybe then, I would stop grinding my teeth.
I will use the breathing techniques, and I actually took a walk when I was at work earlier in the week. This allowed the tension and the stress level to go down.
Physical exercise, stretching and breathing exercises are great coping mechanisms for me; they do help me to focus my thoughts.
Curiously, I am often stressed because I seem to run out of time to accomplish all the tasks on my list. So, when I do not have enough time to complete everything on my list - how am I supposed to find time for physical exercise, stretching and breathing exercises???
Well, perhaps I can eliminate/reduce the stressor by reducing the amount of work I am expected to complete within each timeframe. I should adjust the "expectations" for when the work will be completed. I may not be able to give myself a big increase in time - but any increase in the amount of time I have will REDUCE the stressor....
Additionally, I have added exercise to my calendar and schedule. So I have planned stress coping methods on my list of things to do. Isn’t that cool? I plan to cope with stress a head of time!
Take short stretching and deep breathing breaks at work. Wear a night guard for bruxing at night.
While at work of course, I would try to prioritize the stressors. Eliminate what I can and reduce the others. Taking these classes could even be a stress point, one that can't be eliminated though. What can't be dealt with at work can be dealt with at home with a good murder mystery, cold beer and a good cigar.
Definitely one of the best way to cope with stress is praticing sports!!!
Ramon, It sounds like you have a great approach. Wonderful to hear! I like the idea of doing mini exercises throughout the day. Most people don't realize that exercise can be distributed like this. It doesn't have to be completed all in one batch. There are a lot of benefits of spreading things out too.
Dr. Melissa Read
Vanessa, That sounds like a great plan. It's nice to hear that you have a place to walk at work. Some instructors like to walk with their colleagues. Walking and talking helps a lot too. It makes you forget that it's exercise at all.
Dr. Melissa Read
Getting enough sleep,performing mini exrcises throughout the day, avoiding high sugar content in foods and caffeinated beverages are great in coping with the daily streese in life that can not be eliminated. Pampering oneself once a week, watching a relaxing movie, walking by the ocean, are great stress relievers easily accesible to anyone.
For the stressors in my life that I can't eliminate I feel that I am now equipped to deal with them better after taking this course. I've recently started exercising a lot more, I've improved my diet, and I'm making sure I get more sleep.
I'm already starting to feel the benefits!!
In order to reduce stress of stressors that cannot be eliminated, healthy coping mechanisms can be applied. I will be adding in exercise which will not only alleviate stress but will help with overall health. Taking a walk at the lunch break may also help.
