Coping with Stress
Think about the stressors in your life that cannot be eliminated or reduced. Based on what you have learned in this module about healthy coping mechanisms, what will you do in the future to cope with these stressors?
I grant my self the power to change what I can and to deal with the things that I cannot. When faced with outside stressors, I ask myself, how important is this in my life. For example, getting upset over someone cuttig me off on the drive into work.
Often times I choose to not waste valuable "living" time on other peoples issues or imposed stressors. They are not mine and I do not take ownership of them.
I have lost many family and friends, and realize that our time is fleeting. We need to make the most of it and enjoy it
My biggest stressor is the drive to and from work. I might look for a different route to take or just try to not let it bother me as much.
While at work, I will try some breathing exercises to help me calm down and focus. I have practiced yoga in the past and I miss it.
I will also try to get more exercise to help reduce stress. With having young children at home, this can be difficult. But I am trying to find ways to include them. Right now because the kids are on summer break from school, my friend and I take all the kids for a long walk twice a week on a trail near our houses.
All true. You have to have a healthly mind and body to take on the big stress monster.
John, Sometimes as we mature, we gain new perspective and priorities. This changes the way we experience stress and often relieves us of the pressure we experience because of it.
Dr. Melissa Read
I have a long list of healthy coping practices that I don't use. One, for example, would be a workout two or three times a week. There's even a small gym in our office park that we're offered access to. I have used it in the past but not in the last four years or so. Why not? What prevents my taking advantage of such a wonderful and apparently convenient resource?
I have another set of seven exercises to be done in small office space. I used those, too, for a while, and then let them slide.
I think the first thing I need to do is look at my list of options and make some serious choices about reintegrating some into my life. I plan to analyze the ones I've used well in the past to see if I can enhance the pleasure and satisfaction and reduce the detracting elements.
The second thing I will do, having decided on which practices should most easily fit back into my life, is deliberately schedule them!
Sleep is very important for our bodies for several reasons. Our bodies repair and restore themselves so we have the abilities to manage another day. If we don't allow for consolidated sleep, we will lose the ability to produce quality work. You can only demand from your body what it has to give.
I would love to be stress free. I would start of with more sleep, better eating habits and and exercising. Maybe even get some yoga classes to relive some of my stress.
I like to be well rested, As I get older I don't let things or people stress me as much. Life is to short. I don't dwell on isues and I deal with things as they happen.
Paul, Yes, I like your thinking. For most of us, balancing a few different coping mechanisms is the best approach. This diversity helps us as our environments and resources change. So for example, walking outside only works if you're in a climate with good weather.
Dr. Melissa Read
Do you find that training some times gets in the way of other things you must complete?
I plan to get my running routine going again. I have done that in the past and it really helps quite a bit.
For sure more sleep! I think it is important to wind down at night and get in a mood which is more appropriate for going to bed. I find myself reading technical articles-which isn't good as they get my brain going too much. Need to slow down!!
I could begin with breathing exercises and showing less face expressions.
I have been told thst my feeling and thoughts are written all over my face and in my body language.
There are several very good recommendations in this forum. However, I think a combination of things would work better for alot of people. Eating right,getting enough rest,doing something that you enjoy such as reading a book, playing pool,working out. Whatever takes your mind off of what's causing you stress.
I will start to figure out what will help me deal with what ever is stressing me out and use that technique.
When I feel stressed I take out a couple of minutes and take a brisk walk just to clear my thoughts. Limit my caffeine intake.
Getting proper rest and exercise are key components of coping with stress.
More sleep is a plus, eating correctly, making a point to enjoy my Wife and Five Children outside of work. I work 13 hour days, 5 days a week. I have found that having a great since of humor helps a lot if you laugh you won’t cry.
