15 mins a day to relieve stress..
its quite crazy to me, to think that all it takes is 15 mins of a healthy coping mechanism a day to reduce stress.. i would have thot it was soo much more. whether its breathing, stretching, some physical activity. EVEN SHARING! just to call someone and vent.. sooo simple but really so effective.
In reading through the replies of other instructor's I'm convinced and happy to hear it only takes 15 minutes a day to relieve stress through healthy coping mechanisms.
This will be my new plan to deal with stressors. I was always under the impression you need a good 45 minute exercise routine. Taking 45 minutes from my time to meet deadlines to exercise was a stressor for me.
I will also imply simple breathing and stretching exercises when I see my students stressed. This happens often when they are taking their lab proficiency.
Joyce, So happy to hear you found a way to easily relieve stress. Yes, you are right. Stretching can be amazing and fit right in to your schedule. Encouraging your students to stretch too is also a great approach. This way, everyone is reducing stress together and the stress in your environment diminishes.
Dr. Melissa Read
I was amazed at how little time it took using good coping skills to reduce stress. I even have the students stand, stretch during longer class times. It seems to be working.
I agree Rhiana. I have been taking my 30-minute lunch to walk across to the park from my work. I take a small lunch with me, usually a salad or some tuna, and walk for 15 and then take the other 15 to eat. so far so good.
I thought this was crazy until last fall. Due to stress my blood pressure had risen to dangerous levels (190 /120). Earlier in the term I taught my class how to relax solely though breathing techniques. So as I sat in my doctor’s office (I was sent home after the medical instructors took my 190 /120 blood pressure), I practiced what I preached for 15 minutes and dropped my blood pressure 20 points, still high but better.
I AGREE COMMITMENT IS THE KEY I AM TRYING TO EXERCISE MORE AND HAVE TIME TO MY SELF VERY IMPORTANT
I would have to agree, taking 15 mins a dat to relieve stress really helps. If I don't excerise i spend 15 miins getting my thoughts to together. I even do this while driving home from work.
Linda, Excellent to hear. Don't forget to apply this method in your own work and home life. Leading by example can be more powerful than words!
Dr. Melissa Read
Rhina, Yes, commitment is the key. It's really about making promises to yourself that you intend to keep.
Dr. Melissa Read
By realizing that all you need is 15 min a day to relieve some stress is an "aha" moment. Everyone can do at least 15 minutes. I will tell as many people that I know about this.
when you commit to do it, it makes such a difference in your daily basis activities.
I agree with this!!! I love the idea of the fifteen minute destress. I think this will be a useful tool for me that I had not previously considered!
This is going to be my new motto... 15 minutes a day.
