Great thinking Edward. Try to categorize different stressors and deal with the ones that can be changed. Cope with the rest.
Thank you Dr. Read. I think that it had a lot to do with having so much responsibility at a young age. I think of myself as being able to do anything that I take on and put my mind to; making every attempt to look at things very positively. I am not a worrier and when things arise, I look for the best possible solution. I do the very best that I can and try to never look back; just forward to what the next step is and how I will grow/learn from it.
Sharon Rogers
Im going to recognize the stress that can be reduced and the stress that cannot. The stress that cannot i need to find healthy ways to cope. By separating the two stressors i think ill feel less stressed out.
Thanks Enrique. Great tip! I also recommend exercise. Glad the bike riding is helping you get through the tough economic times!
This is true Samuel. Taking time for you should be first priority. It helps you unwind and refocus - making you stronger when you return to helping others.
I will try to go for walks everyday, even if it is only 30 minutes, set aside some me time; to read or gor for a massage. AND spend for time with friends to laugh and have fun.
I think that you should always take a little time to youself no matter what is going on in life. You need time for a hobby that is fun. Then you can regroup and tackle problems more efficently.
The one stressor that I cannot seem to be able to eliminate is the economical factor, but I have found through personal experience thqat going out for a bicycle run helps eliminate the stress and provides you with a fresh start. I recommend exercise to anybody coping with stress in their lifes.
This is a great analysis Sharon. I like the language you use when you describe taking stress on. The way you describe it, you are very much in control of the amount of stress you take on. That's really the best outlook and approach!
As a Nurse, I made a decision when I decided to change my career goals and chose to transition from the hospital environment in Leadership/Management, to the academic setting.
The decision was to acquire my Certificate in Nursing Education and continue in the Masters of Nursing Education program; after acquiring a Faculty position.
This is a specific stressor in my life that definitely cannot be eliminated; because I made this decision to take these steps to pursue my continuing education.
I have completed the Certificate in Nursing Education program and will continue in the Masters of Nursing Education program in the fall. The load that I was carrying certainly was not easy; but, I had to persevere.
Completing theory/clinical with Nursing students was another challenge; coupled with all the other obligations and commitments. I also started an exercise regimen with a group of friends on a weekly basis and I am sure this helped me to adapt and cope with the stress.
I think that the only thing that I would do differently to decrease the severity of the stressor, would be to schedule my own education at varying times and not so close to each other. What I have learned from the module is that by doing things differently, I would be more apt to reduce the negative short/long-term consequences of what stressful circumstance present
and have a more healthy and productive life.
Yes, money management is the key. People who keep careful watch over their finances can reduce stress and budget to splurge every once in a while too!
Finances is a stressor that cannot be eliminated
because it is a constant battle we fight throughtout our lifetime. Management is the key to successfully use your money to your advantage.
Sounds like you have some developed some great coping mechanisms Gretchen! Nice work. Yes, breathing through your nose and out your mouth is the proper breathing technique - typically the most effective too.
Running is a great stress reliever, I have been walking which is also good. When I start to get angry or stressed out i stop and take a deep breath through the nose and out through my mouth.
Sounds like an excellent plan Anne. I'm glad you took the time to outline what your are hoping to do in the future. Sometimes just writing out our intentions and articulating them to others is a great first step in committing to new and healthier habits.
Sounds like you have found a way to dramatically change your life Bindu! With a few healthy coping mechanisms, it's easy to get back on track and get back to being healthy too!
I had gotten involved in unhealthy coping mechanisms. These affected my health tremendously. It started to open my eyes to these effects. I started to then cope with these stressors by going to the gym after work. I also joined kickboxing which is a stress relief.
I will make exercise a daily habit, no matter how busy I am.
I will become more conscious of my breathing so that I can incorporate deep breaths as soon as I feel stressed.
I will track the amount of time that is wasted needlessly when I am procrastinating.
I will assign weight to my to-do list by determining whether I can reduce, eliminate, or create an effective coping mechanism to offset the stress that arises from it.
I know that stress for me is manifested mentally so that I have a more difficult time focusing and transitioning to the next step of what has to be done.
I will keep a record of one of my coping mechanisms - i.e. incorporate exercise into my busy schedule and reevaluate after one week how it has made a positive impact in how I feel.
Next semester, I will share these strategies with my students.
Sounds like you have a solid assessment of where you are and where you need to be Amanda. That's a great step in the right direction. The next step is to actually do something about it. That's the harder part of people. I recommend starting small and working your way up!
