De-stressing
It is important for people to have some sort of outlet in their lives that they can turn to to help decrease stress in their life. For me, it is music, for others it might be running or working out, or for others it might be a craft or hobby. The point is, we all need something to take us away from the stress.
This is a great strategy Kristen. If you know your reading is going to get you worked up, think carefully about when you partake in that activity. This is especially true for checking work related emails.
Reading is a great stress reliever...unless you are reading material that cause you stress! I have to rotate my reading material around in the evening if I am particularly stressed so that I don't read anything that will make my blood boil.
I like this idea. We all have stress and some stressors cannot be eliminated, but I think finding a way to balance stress with other things going on in our lives is important. I have hobbies and things that are de-stressing and I really want to challenge myself to make more time for those things....creating more of a balance. I think the first step is realizing you need to do this!
Indeed. A great book (fiction or non) can really take you away.
Reading is also a great stress reliever.
Your right, Debra, we all need a craft or hobby. I get me biggest stress release when I am out photgraphing lightning. Storm chasing is a great thrill, and it sure does get your mind off work and family issues! As an added bonus, I then have have some wonderful photographs to share with my family, friends and students.
Indeed. Music is a great outlet Debra. It's nice to know you found something that works well for you.
Thanks for sharing Colleen! I have never used Tai Chi or QiGung but both sound effective for you. It's great to hear that you are exploring your options when it comes to stress reduction and finding new and effective methods.
I took a class in QiGung, which is a great way to reduce stress. As I was learning the healthy way to breathe, I discovered that Ta'i Chi is also a wonderful way to handle stress. It helps me to clear my mind of everything except the next part of the form. I have finally learned the complete long form of Ta'i Chi, and it is amazing how it decreases my stress levels. By the time I have finished the form, I feel my energy has returned, and I am ready to take on the world again.
QiGung is a way of meditating by concentrating on just breathing deeply in and out. When I feel that my blood pressure is rising, I take five minutes of QiGung, and my blood pressure drops to its normal levels.
I was introduced to a new method of reducing stress called tapping. It is a method of tapping on the different energy meridians (acupunture pressure points), and it takes away the negative energy associated with any memories, new or old. When my Sensei (my Ta'i Chi teacher) introduced me to this method, I was very skeptical. However, after having used it now for six months, I am amazed at how well it works.
Does anyone else use Ta'i Chi, QiGung, or tapping to reduce your stress? If you have, I would love to hear about your experiences with them.
:-)
Colleen Burke
