I have learned not to sweat the small stuff and take deep breaths or go for a walk when feeling stressed.
I have found that making a "To Do" list has helped me cope with my stress. Instead of procrastinating, I am starting to tackle these tasks and complete them. I am aleady doing stretching exercises for my back pain but now I want to incorporate exercise to help with the stress. I go to bed late every night so I am going to try to go to bed at least an hour earlier every night.
I agree Monte. Exercise is a requirement to a healthy life. It's in many ways non optional. Sometimes instructors lose track and stop exercising. You're not alone. Get back in the game, even just a few days a week, and see how good you feel.
Very true Michael. Just having the list next to you is absolutely a reminder that you need to get things done. Sometimes visual reminders work better than mental notes.
Excellent! So glad to hear Betsy. Sometimes it's good to be reminded of things that we already know. Keeps those things top of mind so we can act on them where it makes sense.
Many parts of this module served as a very timely and healthy reminder to make time to resume my pilates class with my girlfriend, no matter how tired or busy I am. This healthy break in my routine takes care of the mental, physical and sharing mechanisms of coping.
Thanks!
Workout and exercise help alot. Also taking the focus off the stressor and looking for something positive, within the same situation if possible.
Management of a stress list may help. I visual reminder that you can reduce or manage stress.
As well as stretch more.
Exercise. And make time for it. It's not just a luxury, it's something I need. When I was younger, I really enjoyed it and I don't know why I stopped. And I don't need to worry about looking a certain way but to be active and enjoy it. I always enjoy hiking for instance. Gotta get out there again.
Allow myself to have "Me" time. I give myself 1 hour a day at the gym. This helps me cope.
Excellent approach Tracy and couldn't agree with you more. There are just some things we can't control. When we focus too much on them, life can become overwhelming and stressful. Taking a step back and thinking carefully about your sphere of influence can make a huge difference.
When I think about the stressors in my life that I can't eliminate or reduce, the first thing I can do to help myself is to accept the things that I cannot change, change the things that I can and have the wisdom to know the difference. I think that when I think about things or spend unnecessary energy on things that I can do nothing about, that alone is highly stressful. In the future, I will keep in perspective to focus on the things that I can change and manage those things.
I think that cutting down on the coffee and finding time to unwind will help me cut down on the stress levels, though it is hard sometimes to find the time to unwind.
Excellent recommendation Adam! Thanks for the tip and I'm certain this coping mechanism works great for you. Wonderful to have something you can do at your desk, or wherever you happen to be!
One relaxation exercise you can do at your desk is to sit up stright in your chair, extend your arms, cross and grasp your hands. Now, pull your hands under and up to your chest. Next, take in a slow and deep breath inhaling as much as posssible and exhale while firmly holding your hands to your chest. Each time it will stretch the muscles in your back and chest and give you a feeling of relaxation. Try it.
Yes, both good strategies Bryce. I think setting reasonable expectations of yourself is particularly important. You've got to realize that you're not going to accomplish it all in one day. It's ok to save some things for tomorrow, and to enjoy life from time to time!
ask co workers how they handle stress. realize that i am not perfect and that figure out that I'm going to make a difference
Yes, typically breathing exercises can work despite a busy schedule Andrea. What's great is you can do them anywhere and everywhere you need them. Go ahead and give them a try. Spending just a few minutes on them a day can make a big impact.
I have very little free time (this is one of my stressors) but I think I can find time for some breathing excersizes. I also like the idea of making an list and seeing what I can eliminate or reduce. Sometimes, there is a simple solution.
Take a break! and take a deep breath, and relax.
