Patrick, Sounds like you know what you need. You may be able to create this kind of environment at your workplace. Some institutions do have quiet rooms or libraries which you can use to temporarily retreat.
Dr. Melissa Read
Roberta, Excellent to hear. Note that you don't have to make all of these changes overnight. Sometimes a slow progression toward your goal state is the best solution because you can ease into things.
Dr. Melissa Read
Stress reducing for me would be in a quit room with my iphone or ipad.
I have actually been practicing these techniques already. It is amazing how much better a person can feel when they utilize exercise and advanced preparation techniques. It is a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders when I know I have my impending week preplanned, written out, and broken down so it doesn't seem so overwhelming. I am amazed at how writing out my agenda for the week makes me realize my to do list is not as bad as I tend to made it out to be in my mind. I find I am having fewer panic attacks/melt downs because of this technique. Exercising is such a great choice. It not only reduces tension now, but also provides long term benefits (I'm not getting any younger....)and best of all, both techniques are free!
I am in the process of making some life style changes to exercise more and keep a more regular sleep schedule and I think this will help reduce stress for me.
Andrea, So true. Our children model after our behavior. It's important that they see us taking breaks as they develop habits that may last a lifetime.
Dr. Melissa Read
Benjamin, So true. It's wonderful to be able to take a break from our technology. Some of us don't have that luxury but if you do, try it for even 15 minutes and see how far it takes you.
Dr. Melissa Read
Darrell, Excellent to hear! Yes, if you already have a great fitness plan in place, definitely keep it up. I'm impressed to hear that you're up to exercising 4-5 times a week.
Dr. Melissa Read
I would take some time out for myself, and do an activity I enjoy without the family. I feel it is important to include the family in some stress relieving activities because it can be a role model from your children on healthy ways to deal with stressors that can not be eliminated.
I will continue with my current fitness plan. I find that making time to work out 4-5 times a week greatly reduces my anxiety about job/personal issues.
I do a lot of exercise, it helps to decrease the level of stress , reading good books and watching a good movie can be a good example of healthy coping mechanisms.
breathing exercises sound wonderful...may take up some yoga to assist in that...also reflecting on the worlds problems...mine are tiny compared to them..doesnt always help in the moment but does allow for a "big picture" take on my stressors
Yes I agree the cell phone can"t come along for the walk. When it rings the sress level just went up.
Benjamin, Walking is an amazing outlet. It can help us physically deal will stress and can also help us clear our minds. This is especially true when we can find a way to leave technology that connects us with work responsibilities, like cell phones, behind. This is easier said than done of course.
Dr. Melissa Read
James, You raise an important point. Coping mechanisms are great when used in moderation. When overdone, they can introduce new sources of stress into our lives. It's important to find good balance.
Dr. Melissa Read
I ran marathons for years but this brought it's own type of stress. I need to add some healthy running, a few miles a day, into my weekly routine. I always feel better and less stressed with exercise.
Exercise and stretching would help tremendously if tense and sore. If your brain hurts try using some breathing techniques and ensure you stay hydrated.
i need to take time for myself everyday, get enough rest, eat better list my stressors do what i can but for what i cant do....and let go and let god!
The stessors that effect me are the day to day activites such as dealing with traffic to get to work. Keeping up with work requirements,working double shifts. I learned when I get home I take a hour walk even if I am dead tired. I found I clear my mind on this walk helps me sleep better, I am so glad I took this course it"s help me a lot.
I bought a new mattress and improved the quality of my sleep greatly. There are never enough hours in the day to get it all done, but if I don't sleep then I am useless and foggy headed.
