I exercise often to help me cope with stress as well as talking about it with loved ones.
Coping with stressors is lifelong, there will always be stressors in life. I find that exercise helps but it is not always possible. Something as simple as taking a few deep breathes and going to a place in your mind that brings you joy can help alleviate some of your stress.
I take a 15 minute walk every morning before class around the campus, it helps.
My co-workers share the same work related stress I do. We agree that the only way to eliminate this stress would be to find another job. That is not a feasible option so I must wait until I get home and meditate for a short time before I start to enjoy my personal life.
Pamela, Those sound like two important changes. You might take them on one at a time, depending on how much of a time investment you think is required of each. I have always benefited by starting small and working my way up.
Dr. Melissa Read
We have a lounge with a door that locks. Sometimes I duck in there in between classes and spend 10 minutes in meditation. This term I have a long break between classes, so I plan to bring my yoga mat so I can flow my stress right out the door.
I agree you have to move or you get more depressed. Outside is a good place to be.
P O'Dwyer
Exercise and eating right. Getting enough sleep and I relly enjoy taking my dogs to the beach and running with them. You have to have a outlet and you have to let it go or it will eat you up. I hand it over to God and let him control the outcome. P O'Dwyer
I would like to develop a exercise program to increase breathing and make my body relax more. I also would like to make some changes to my rules to make students be more responsible.
P O'Dwyer
Lisa, That sounds like a wonderful outlet. Of course, it relies on your husband being available to help. Some people, who enjoy massage, also enjoy yoga when they are alone.
Dr. Melissa Read
Religion helps, as does working out. Eventually everything changes you just have to make it that point of change
I am terrible at this. I tend to bottle things up until I blow up. I have been working on this for a while now. Yoga and stressing does help. The best coping technique though for me is when I can get my husband to give me a massage. The relief of the tension through massage and the physical contact with a loved one helps tremendously.
One coping method is to not think about work while I'm commuting. It's hard to do sometimes, but I will keep turning up the music volume or listen to an audio book. There is nothing I can do about stressors at school while I'm driving anyway. Other things I do include driving the speed limit and letting other cars merge into my lane without a challenge. By not being a competitive driver during the commute, I find I have less stress behind the wheel. When I get home I go for a run before dinner, but don't stress over that. If I'm really tired or it's really hot, I'm fine with running part way and walking part way. There have even been days when I'm totally exhausted and I will just walk. That removes any stress about the level of intensity of my run (occasional walk!) because it's all OK--the main goal is to just get a little exercise before dinner.
Rob
If the stressor cannot be eliminated, the awareness and development of coping mechanisms should help to manage the stressor. Additionally, the awareness should allow for the development and integration of coping mechanisms in a timely manner.
SOMETIMES EXERCISE CAN BE SUBSTITUTED WITH MEDITATION IF THERE IS A TIME LIMIT ON THE FREE TIME SOMEONE MAY HAVE. 10-15 MIN MEDITATION CAN HELP. ITS NOT A LARGE COMMITMENT
I definitely need more exercise!
I have already learned to exercise. With this module, I've learned a lot more. I will definitely make lists. Determine what is worth it and what isn't.
I am planning on doing exercises. I have to take a course on cross training for professional development so I am planning on utilizing that knowledge to reduce stress.
Susan, It sounds like you have found a few different outlets that work great for you. It's nice to have a variety of outlets to count on. If one is not available, just move on to the next one!
Dr. Melissa Read
Thomas, Excellent to hear! I'd love to learn more about the specific steps you are taking and what's working well for you!
Dr. Melissa Read
