Coping skills addresssed in this thread are useful. I read through much of it. Some sounded like a 12-step method, a little discconcerting. This one gave me pause. Stress is analogous to a long-term illness. There is no cure, just coping skills that must be learned and applied.
Working in the garden is my exercise and mini-vacation from the day's requirements. I used to do exercise but the stories of swimming and treadmills reminded me that during those efforts, I was still working in my mind. Gardening or tasks that require attention off-line tend to be mroe effective for me.
An iPod is great because you can take it almost anywhere and your music is always with you.
One thing that I find that helps me when I am stressed is to listen to music. I put on my iPod and listen to my favortie music.
Sounds like you are on the right track David! Even if you stopped here and were just consistent with these things you selected, you'd be in an excellent position long term.
I have started walking and exercising. It seems to be helping. I also started talking with my wife to share how my day went which helps alleviate stressors.
Learning to live with the stressors that can not be eliminated means eating right, taking deep breaths, taking time out for one's self and staying active.
Sounds like you've made some sound business decisions Gretchen. Great work. Knowing the work is getting done while you're away can give you such peace of mind - and extra earnings too!
The main coping mechanisms that I will use are sharing, deep breathing, and exercise. I believe the combination of the three will allow me to address stress on a daily basis (either by taking the time to do deep breathing exercises for 10 - 15 minutes before a challenging encounter/meeting, sharing my thoughts with my a close friend, or dancing and exercising to help my body to burn off negative energy).
Sounds like a great plan Marivic! Note that some parents find ways of including their new child in their exercise routine. You might give that a try. It's a nice way to be together and stay fit too.
Listening to music at work is a great way to prevent distraction. Some instructors even listen to white noise recordings.
One thing I did recently was hire someone to work with me in my business. This way when I am out of town at school, she is working and making money for both of us. This has reduced my stress about taking time off from work every month because my clients are being cared for and money is coming in too.
Another thing I need to do more frequently is exercise more, but trying to squeeze it into an already tight schedule can be stressful in and of itself. I do feel better when I go to the gym though, so I need to make it more of a priority.
Continue with I am currently doing now; allow time for my self to unwind, talk to friends, and family,walk, and listen to music.
I think the best solution is a combination of all the mechanisms. Taking time out to talk about the stressors is first. Then a healthy regiment of exercise and good diet should follow.
Yes, going offline on days off is a powerful technique Aimee. It's amazing how stressed we can get when checking email and even just the news. Letting go of the communication every now and then can make a huge difference.
The mirror trick works really well John. It's easy to miss a list but hard to when you are starting right at it in the morning!
Sounds like you are doing an excellent job of coping Danesh. All of these activities are healthy stress reducers.
It's great to have a psychiatrist as a friend Walter. Though, we do have to be a bit careful of any potential conflicts of interest.
It's great to hear that you know what works best for you Kyle. If it's working, definitely go with it.
Yes, children bring both stress and joy into our lives Josey. Using a rewards system for good behavior is a great way to elicit the responses you are looking for.
As I read this module, I have been doing what the module has stated in coping and relieving stress. When it gets so noisy in the work place, I listen to music while doing my work. When I get tired working in the computer, I get up and stretch out.
