Philippe, Excellent. Sounds like you are at the tail end of a major project. Sometimes these can be very stressful and it's good when we can see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Dr. Melissa Read
I have a hobby of restoring classic cars. I find that it is the only thing that i have full control over. I keep it a hobby and there for i can stop working on it when ever i wish
I know that some things that really help me are those that were talked about. I know if I take a minute to really breath and stretch I feel a little more relaxed. Also just doing some kind of physical activity always helps. Sometimes it is hard to make yourself get going but you will always feel better. I need to go through my life and decide which of my stressors can be eliminated and which ones that I need to start doing something differently so they wont stress me as much.
When coping with stressors that I cannot eliminate, I plan on exercising more instead of doing 3 times a week I’ll increase my work out to five times a week. Listening to my iPod and tuning out everything else also aids me in decreasing stress. I also use to take yoga classes, which I found yoga to be a significant stress reducer.
I cannot eliminate the stressor of being a single mom of 3 boys. I can call my mom more often and utilize sharing as a source of support.
I will get more rest. The house is almost done so I will be able to relax more.
Lea, So true. A lot of times, it's just about having the right perspective. Perspective can dramatically change how we feel about a situation. That's often why different people - with different perspectives - respond to situations in different ways.
Dr. Melissa Read
Some that I have done in the past 12 yeaqrs, call my best friend and just talk about it, sometimes we even go walking or fishing just to get away.
I think it can be reduced, tamed or maintained
by getting really organize, not over thinking everything . Stressors are caused
by ourselves, by overthinking certain things or making things into a big deal or making
problems that weren't even problems in the first place. Sometimes, we just need to relax and just think for for a momment and breathe. WE sometimes just need to accept, be thankful and look at the nice view all around us.
David, You are not alone! I hear the same thing from so many instructors. Many love to ride on their motorcycles on the open roads as a way to reduce stress. Working out is another great outlet, and I'm interested to hear that it actually heightens your awareness of your environment. Nice!
Dr. Melissa Read
Ronda, Sounds like the right approach and one that's well balanced too. I like how you rely both on others as well as your own new techniques for coping. Nice thinking!
Dr. Melissa Read
Audrey, That sounds like a wonderful approach. Really love the part about doing something you love. For all the work we do, it's so important to reward ourselves. That's what all the work is for, though it's easy to forget.
Dr. Melissa Read
This is an issue I have been working on a lot. I try breathing exercises. I also make sure I have at least 15 minutes to do something I love...even if it is just reading before bed. I am trying to incorporate exercise into my routine as well.
I enjoy running and exercising to help deal with stressors in my life. Along with exercise I like to commute on my motorcycle to and from work. It may not seem like much but riding to work is a stress reliever for me like yoga or meditation is for others. In addition to exercise I feel that when I work out I am more aware and awake of my surroundings.
First I will be more likely to reach out for support from my family, friends and peers. Then I will do my best to break down the stressors that can't be eliminated into more doable chunks.
One of the best ways to cope with stress is to approach it with a well rested body. Proper nutrition further increases the body's ability to handle stress.
Brandon, Sounds great. I like the diversity of your plan. It's nice to have several outlets to choose from - especially some that are not weather dependent.
Dr. Melissa Read
I like ride my mountain bike. but I think I would like to incorporate stretching and breathing exercises too. I could use some soft piano music too. How's that sound?
Tracy, Sounds like you have found an approach that works really well for you. I can't tell you the number of instructors who have also let me know about the benefits of meditation over the years. For some people, it's a wonderful tool, and it's great because you can do it almost anywhere!
Dr. Melissa Read
Danielle, I hear you. A lot of instructors end up in this situation. We have the best of intentions but never find the time. I recommend starting small and working your way up. Even if you can do just 5-10 minutes of exercise per day, it can be well worth it. Also note that small choices can make a big difference. Taking the stairs as compared to the elevator for example can pay off when you do this consistently.
Dr. Melissa Read
