David, Interesting to hear about play time. I think it's appropriate for adults and not just children. Sometimes we just need a fun outlet to take our minds off things. Sounds like you have some outlets you really enjoy!
Dr. Melissa Read
I reduce stress by exercising and stretching as a regular daily routine. This increases my focus and allows me to consider additional possible approaches to a stressor. I also incorporate my own play time when I can't see any solutions. This creates a mental distraction that forces me to rethink my approach to the. Issue I was dealing with.
Karyn, Excellent to hear. Exercise and talking things out are both great ways of coping with stress - especially when we can't manage stress any other way!
Dr. Melissa Read
Stephen, I really love your thinking on YouTube! What a great approach to unwind. I love how this outlet is free and accessible through any digital device.
Dr. Melissa Read
that it's important to deal your stress before your stress deals with you
I find that excerise and talking to friends and family are an effective way of reducing my stress that I can not be reduced or eliminated.
Excercise and whole foods. These are key ingredients to stress release. ALSO: I watch YouTube.com comedy clips to decompress.
I plan to reinstate my exercise program to work off the tension caused by stress, and to help my sleep.
Take more walks and confide in someone that is a good sounding board.
Jeanette, Excellent plan! There are so many kinds of exercise to try so don't be afraid to invite a little variety into your life. Also breathing is wonderful because you can do it anywhere.
Dr. Melissa Read
I will try to excercise more and will definitely try some breathing and stretching techniques.
Shannon, It sounds like you are taking a lot of great steps! Keep it up. Yes, sleep is a challenge for all of us. You might consider taking brief naps if you find flexibility in your schedule. If you don't have that flexibility, try to make your sleep environment as peaceful as possible. This way, you may be getting the same number of hours but can increase the quality of your sleep.
Dr. Melissa Read
Exercise has always been a part of my life and I am a very communicative person in general. This module has confirmed and validated my pre-existing coping mechanisms.
I like to take a walk when I'm feeling stressed out as it is relaxing just to enjoy mother natures beauty.
I find that I cope with my stressors in healthy ways already. I definitely share; and am beginning to breathe, stretch and excercise with yoga and pilates. Sleep... That's the one I have to figure out how to get.
I have a gym membership that I don't use. After this module, I think I will start making time each day to exercise. In addition, rather than eating out each day at lunch, I will plan out my meals so that I eat a more well-balanced diet.
I already share with my brother as a method of decompressing before I get home each day. During my commute, I listen to music that I like and try to relax on my way home.
Jackie, Yes, drinking and smoking should be minimized as they are negative coping mechanisms. However, coping itself can be healthy when you choose the right techniques. Try to see if you can find more positive outlets. Exercise, sharing and spending time with friends are a few examples.
Dr. Melissa Read
Charles, It sounds like you have a great companion and wonderful listener too. You are lucky! Love the idea of setting aside time to be together and talk things out.
Dr. Melissa Read
Tanya, You bring up a good point about knowing your stressors. Far too often, I watch instructors struggle with stress but they do not fully understand the source. Once the source is identified, it's a lot easier to do something about it! Really gives you a renewed sense of control to fully understand what's bothering you.
Dr. Melissa Read
Not drink or smoke unless I really need to not want to as ways to avoid coping.
