Michelle, Knitting is such a great hobby and stress outlet. What's wonderful about it is that we can do it almost anywhere. Also, we can end up making really nice items for ourselves and others, giving ourselves great satisfaction!
Dr. Melissa Read
I make time for hobbies, like knitting, and for spending time with friends.
Go to the gym at least 3 times a week. also, I follow the local sports teams and attend games often. frees my mind from my daily stressors.
I have been thinking about this since I started this module. I wanted to find a way to include exercise in my life. I looked into gym memberships but most of them were located far from my usual route. I then found a place ran by the Salvation Army that has a fitness center in it for only $60/year. It is in between my house and my work, easy to stop by on the way home to relieve a little stress! I can eliminate the unhealthy coping mechanisms by simply adding healthy ones; eventually, the unhealthy ones will fall away.
I share with my close friend and vent. Though I may not be able to eliminate or reduce the stress, it helps to have someone just simply lend an ear.
I try to exercise daily and find it is extremely helpful. Getting enough sleep is tricky for me but I can try to go to bed a bit earlier and get up earlier to try to get some work in while it is quiet in the house.
I have done a fairly good job of divesting myself of bad friendships but at the same time I have little time for friends. I need to schedule regular activities with friends and date nights with my husband.
I can learn to say no once in a while and not feel guilty.
It is ok to make mistakes and not be everything to everyone all the time.
I can treat myself to a non-food item on occasion.
i just started an exercise regimen with my co-worker which is 45 minutes of exercise twice a week. i know its not much but its a start. I am also trying to eat healthier and eliminate stressors.
Esperanza, Thanks for your honest assessment. While it varies from instructor to instructor, I like to believe that more than 20% of our life's circumstances are actually within our control. Sometimes we've got to take control instead of sitting back and letting things happen too.
Dr. Melissa Read
Doris, Sounds like a wonderful plan. Yes, sometimes the weather can limit the kinds of exercise we are able to complete at certain times of the year. I recommend having a few different kinds of exercises that you can do, depending on the climate.
Dr. Melissa Read
Gary, It sounds like you've got some great ideas for better managing the stress in your life. That's good to hear. Yes, it's ok to ask for a little extra support. Most of the time, people are understanding of your needs and appreciate that you reached out - instead of watching you drop the ball later.
Dr. Melissa Read
One coping mechanism with which I can improve is to ask for more support from peers and administrators. I'm doing pretty well there, truth be told, and my co-workers are a generous lot- but I can ask for a little more support when I'm feeling ready to strangle the pixels on my computer screen.
I've lost the sense of accomplishment I used to feel after sticking to a routine of exercise. It would be great to re-initiate that routine so that I can 'burn off' some nervous energy.
A friend sent me an email a long time ago about the 20/80 circumstances in anyone's life. 20% of life's circumstances can be controlled and 80% are beyond one's control.
Since I'm in the south, I will do as one of the famous southern belles chose to do when there are problems: "think about it tomorrow". Often times, my problems resolve themselves without any intervention from me. In the event that they can't be resolved, I will consciously give myself permission to not allow the person, event or thing to stress me out and to either avoid it or learn to live with it.
How will I react to it in a week, a month, a year from now?
Is this person, event or thing as scary, bad or stressful as I've made it out to be, or has it been magnified by my constant dwelling on it?
Hakuna Matata.
During the week, I try to exercise either before I go to work or late in the evening. I also do the breathing exercises to help me de-stress. I like to listen to soothing music when I have a break. Since the weather is getting better, I am going to take a short walk during the break time.
one of my coping mechanisms is getting enough sleep at night. I feel that when I am well rested I perform better in the work place.
I find myself working 10+ hours per day to get all of my administrative and instructor duties completed. I am going to try to commit 15 minutes each day to walking around the block to clear my mind, stretch my muscles, and get me away from the computer screen to allow for more efficient work and focus.
After taking this module, I believe I might try incorporating more exercise into my day.This will kill two birds with one stone as they say. I will be reducing stress as well as improving my health. Personally one of my stressors at the moment can not be eliminated or reduced therefore I must choose an outlet that will be enjoyable and effective!
Jessica, Sounds like you would greatly benefit from a coping mechanism to your point. There are so many easy ones to try. I'd start with simple breathing and walking. These can take you far and can be completed anywhere.
Dr. Melissa Read
Prioritise... I'll get a handle on what needs to be done, and by when. That way my work life will run smoother... Which in turn will make my personal life better...
to better cope with my stressors, i plan on trying to utilize more healthy ways, then just over caffinating! hopefully adding in a jog or light excercise will help!
What I have learned is that I need to come up with a coping mechanism. I don't really have one. I just go from one day to the other stressed. I try and find time for myself, but usually end up feeling guilty about being by myself when I should be accomplishing yet another task. I need to allow myself time to exercise, unwind, and take care of myself.
