What I do when I'm stressed
When I am stressed, I try to analyze my stress factor, strategize what to do and work on the cause and effect of the stress factor..
As a high school teacher, this has improved my dad to dad stress immensely!
Gary and team: As you stated, "Your preparation for stress is key to successfully meeting your health needs."; this is so true. Knowing the physical effects of the unprecented stress levels I deal with at work every day, I make serious physical workout part of my daily routine. I run the treadmill 8-10 miles/wk, then cross-train with weights two days/wk. I've been doing this routine now for years and it has become so engrained in my lifestyle that I actually think of my workouts as health and life insurance "policies"!
When I am stressed out, I like to separate myself from the situation I am in and do my deep breathings. It puts my body in a more relaxed state.
guadalupe,
Good for you, this is definitely a good idea. Many people use music as therapy..
Dr. Gary Carlson
When I am stressed at work I put on my head phones and listen to music. This allows me to tune everything else out and relax. After a few minutes I can think more clearly and come up with a game plan on how to proceed.
Jason,
Stepping back and giving yourself a chance to catch your breath will allow you to approach challenges with a clearer mind. We all need our outlets and it seems you have found yours.
Dr. Gary Carlson
Take some quiet time to myself, go ride my motorcycle.
Steven,
Being proactive with smaller challenges leads to being better prepared for larger challenges. We enjoy the feeling of reward and fulfillment with achievement with our willingness to face the challenge.
Dr. Gary Carlson
I find that when I identify small, simple problems that can be easily handled, feeling the success and achievement from completing them reduces the stress and ominous feeling of larger stress-inducing tasks. With this refurbished sense of ability, I can start the process of tackling bigger projects. In handling the stress of big projects, I find that preparation is key. It can be as simple as preparing the workspace or starting with the most general of outlines and then start filling in the blanks.
charlie,
Teaching is always an experience when you have to be ready for Plan B. Our best plans are not always what is going to work. Over the past 40 years I have been involved in education I can tell you I have gone to Plan B every now and then.
Dr. Gary Carlson
Personally I find that the times that I am most stress is being unprepared. Those class room situations where I has more visual aids and better notes lead to less stress when a problem comes up . While teaching
Mariafrancesca,
Good for you. This is a way to step back and take a calm look at yourself and not all the flack going on around you.
Dr. Gary Carlson
I downloaded an App that allows me to listen to whale song - as strange as it sounds, it deeply resonates with me and slows my heart rate. The App has a timer function, so I can set it for 5 minutes, shut my door, turn off the lights and take a few deep breaths to ground myself (pardon the pun) :)
Elly,
Keeping a balance in your life is must. Your balance is healthy habits, exercise, mental activity and spiritual rejuvenation.
Dr. Gary Carlson
Elly,
You have the right idea. Keep a balance in your life with good health habits, mental activity, exercise and spiritual rejuvenation.
Dr. Gary Carlson
When I’m stressed, I like to take time to meditate and listen to relaxing music. It helps me feel calm and clears my mind. I also love nature, and yoga exercise. :)
When I’m stressed, I like to take time to meditate and listen to relaxing music. It helps me feel calm and clears my mind. I also love nature, and yoga exercise. :)
Jill,
You are close to nature. I agree Mother Nature is very forgiving. It is like a spiritual relief. We all have our releases but we need to use them when necessary.
Dr. Gary Carlson
I go sit by the lake and hug a tree. Literally. Nature is very grounding and I breathe better there. Even if I don't have time to go to the park down the street, I'll sit outside and just breathe for a few minutes on break time. We forget how important it is just to breathe.
Rochelle,
Your preparation for stress is key to successfully meeting your health needs. It is a well know fact that not coping with stress well can cause us health issues. You ability to make the analysis and deal with it appropriately is exactly how to lessen the burden. You have the attitude that will keep your emotions in tack.
Dr. Gary Carlson
