I would love to say that I will exercise more and lay off the coffee, but that simply won't happen. Instead, I will continue to practice healthy breathing and stretching whenever I feel the need. I've also discovered that spending time with a pet (or other furry animal), even a brief 10 minutes or so, works wonders to relieve the general stress of the day. Because pets are awesome.
I find taking 10 minutes for myself after work to relax and let the events go is a great way to relieve my stressors.
This is an important point Brian! With stress, there are usually both a problem and related symptoms. Getting to the heart of the problem is a far better approach than dealing with the symptoms.
Managing stress is important. In my personal experience, identifying the root cause of the stress is key to helping to manage it. Identifying the issue or issues that are causing you to be over stressed will help you to build a plan to help alleviate it. You must build an
Effective strategy that reduces stress rather than to ease the stress causing issue only to create a new one.
Even though I make list for everything i have never thought of doing this. I will try this technique, and try to eliminate as much stress as possible. I will start with simple little ones first and then start to work on the bigger ones down the road. Great idea.
Exercise is a great why for me to alleviate stress. Also the ability to talk to my wife about things that irk me at work, sort of blowing off steam.
It sounds like you have a good plan but also know your limits Peter. Start small and maybe continue to do just small things. Even a 15 minute walk can be a great stress reliever. It doesn't take much.
I will find more time to exercise. I do enjoy doing it, but finding time to exercise can be a stressor in itself.
Hi Dr. Read,
I plan to get back into an exercise program. The thing that I must do to protect myself is that I have a tendency to overdue my workouts, and I'm no Spring Chicken anymore. It would be really foolish to rush back into exercising and then hurt myself and create even more stress in my life because I'm unable to work.
Regards,
Peter
I can see how this experience is both rewarding and challenging Kathleen. It's great that you have a way of taking a step back on your walks and visits with friends. Sometimes, taking a short step back from the challenges we face in life helps us reorient and return with a refreshed outlook.
My daughter and grandchildren have been living with me for a year now. Although this is rewarding I am used to living alone and coming home to a quiet house that is perfectly clean. I have implemented taking walks at times when my younger grandchild is tired and crying because he can't fall asleep. I do also talk with my friends about the rewards and difficulties this has given me. When I get back home from a walk or from a visit with a friend I do have a new outlook.
This is true Sandra. We really must focus on minimizing the stress in our own lives before we can go on to help others. When we are stress free, we are in a better position to help others reach that state.
first of all i no longer take on other people stress and make it mine. i fine that when i engadge in other people problems they become mine and added stress. another way is just let go , after all we cant change the world.
Make more "me" time: Exercise and relax with friends and loved ones. Of course winning the lottery might help also.
I play a ton of golf.....each strike of the balls is a frustration from the week. Anf going to a good Doc. once in a while helps too.
Dancing is a great way to relieve stress. It's great physical activity but it's also great social activity -- and a nice change of pace from daily work life.
I find someone to talk to. I excercise. I love to dance, so I go dancing.
Your plan sounds perfect Michael. I especially like the way that both exercise activities keep you close to the house in case something comes up.
The two major stressors in my life are turn-around of grades in a 72-hour timeframe and be a fulltime caregiver for my spouse. Since I work out of my home office I am in constant contact with my spouse and have to respond to her needs as they occur.
What I have decided to do is to set aside a 15 minute exercise period in the mornings and use my treadmill. In the afternoons I will set aside a 45 minute period and take my Golden for a walk in the woods that are nearby.
These two things should assist me in getting my mind cleared from what's taking place and allow me to get both some fresh air and exercise.
Mike
Breathing and discussing my stress situations with a mentor.
