Robert, Excellent plan! Sounds like you'll be making a lot of changes. I'd recommend starting small and working your way into a new routine over time. This can make the change more manageable.
Dr. Melissa Read
I will make it a point to go to the gym at least 3 times a week to exercise and stretch. I can also take the dog for long walks. I've tried Yoga before and the stretching really helps as well.
Very helpful Module
When dealing with stressors, I will work to develop a realistic focus on eliminating the most direct feasible stress concerns. Obviously we have stressors that can not be eliminated, but being conscious about their position on your list, and addressing them with relation to their level of priority aids in developing a positive stress management program.
Excersise
Get enough sleep
Breathing excersises
Thanks so much for your comment. I think exercise is a cure-all option: for stress, for your bones, for the heart, for self-esteem, for social skills, for the immune system... etc. I think Im just about to have the perfect combo. I teach mornings and evenings, so I have the afternoon free, and there's a gym some 50 feet away from school. So I'm seriously considering joining. I would deal with the stress in an effective way, and I would shed some unwanted fat in the process. I won't have much of a life, but that would probably be the topic for another course.....
Reynaldo, So true. Exercise has so many benefits. Relaxation of the mind and body, as well as the fulfillment of esteem needs are some of the many reasons to do it. Sounds like you've relied on this approach with much success!
Dr. Melissa Read
To cope with stress, I will take a walk. I also will continue a workout/excercise and nutrition regimen. I enjoy running, aerobic classes, and bikram yoga. I also take vitamins daily and drink a lot of water. I plan to attend weekly worship services, which will also help me to cope with stress.
Exercise in most cases does the trick. Exercises not only helps you to relax your mind and your body. It gives you the sensation that you are doing something good for yourself. And that in itself is a source of self-reaffirmation, higher self-esteem and confidence. Even if insecurity is not one of your weakness, it is definitely a plus to feed your self-confidence. That gives you an edge in coping with your daily life and many potential stressors.
Jennelle, Excellent to hear. Sounds like you've already got some things going right with your meditation routine. Your plans to incorporate regular exercise will only make your life better.
Dr. Melissa Read
I agree that diassociating yourself at least 15 minutes every day from everything will let you cope. Streching exercises for at least that amount of time will help me cope. In general I will apply the lessons learned to help me cope with the stress. Eliminating one chip at a time.
I am going to start a regular exercise program to work off the stress physically. I do meditation on a regular basis which really helps with my stress.
Donna, Interesting point about listening and so true. Sometimes, fixing things is not what is needed at all. Sometimes when we just listen and let others vent, that IS the solution and that is what others really need from us.
Dr. Melissa Read
Dan, These are two great strategies to live by. Regular exercise impacts our stress, health and mood. A clean and orderly workstation communicates great organization to others and helps us tremendously too.
Dr. Melissa Read
Taking a break, standing up, stretching, walking and taking deep breaths, are all ways to cope with stress.
I will try to reaarange my priorities of the stressors I can not eliminate. I will use deep breathing exercises and maybe even a time out by myself in a quiet place. I will also try to become a "relaxed" listener. I am the one who wants to "fix it fast" and know that sometimes that method backfires. Making myself take time for myself is one of my biggest goals.
Start by doing some "rearranging" of priorities.
If I start to feel overly stressed about something, I will force myslef to take a time out by deep breathing and giving myself an opportunity to regroup. I will also try to become a better listener. I want to "fix it" too fast and sometimes just listening can fix the situation just as good.
I like the idea of incorporating more exercise, stretching, and breathing into my life to deal with stress more effectively. I have read interesting studies that show that exercise has been as effective as antidepressants in treating depression in most people, and I thought the information in this course that exercise allows the body to practice dealing with stress was interesting. It seems like there is a lot of science backing this particular method.
Continue to exercise regularly and keep my workstation free of clutter.
I would go for a walk, swiming , strech and take deep breath and get adequate sleep
Exercise, Music and balanced diet. Positive thinking.
