How to
Dealing with stress is very easy . avoid - hack away at it - meditate. Repeat
Nice low key music (Such as Norah Jones) and a few candles burning usually do the trick for me. No overhead lights or television. Even if it's when I get home at night from teaching and still have chores to do around the house. It makes the "must do's" even more relaxing and helps me slow down.
Regina, It sounds like you are lucky to have your dogs, but your dogs are also lucky to have you! Yes, spending time with animals is a wonderful way to decompress.
Dr. Melissa Read
The primary way that I deal with stress is by spending time with my dogs. It's been proven that spending time with dogs can have many emotional and physical benefits to humans. They lower our blood pressure, cure loneliness, and heighten our moods. They make us feel unconditionally loved because they never judge us. At the end of a long stressful day, I cannot wait to get home to my dogs.
Nancy, That you for sharing such a unique approach for managing stress. Yes, it does sound like this really works for you. It's great to hear you are embracing what's working, regardless of what others might think.
Dr. Melissa Read
I like to sit or stand with my back against a tree. I first focus on my breathing to begin calming down and then I focus on the tree. The hardness of the wood against my back, the strength of the tree, the depth the roots go into the earth, the height it reaches to the sky. It makes me realize where I am in the world and in the grand sceme of things my problems are small and only temporary. Yes, I admit it, I'm a tree hugger. But it works.
I find that stretching and breathing exercises are an excellent way to relieve stress. Before an exam I always have the students stretch and do breathing exercises with their eyes closed (I tell them to go to their happy place for a few minutes). They love this technique and it really does help to relax them before an exam.
Karen, That sounds very relaxing. I can see how that could really help you reduce any stress you are experiencing! It's nice to know you were able to find a genre that works well for you.
Dr. Melissa Read
I like soft, instrumental music of any kind (harp, piano, guitar) but Tibetan Bowl music perhaps is my favorite, as it is super soothing and allows me to meditate deeper.
Karen, Those sound like relaxing stress outlets to me! What kind of music works best for you?
Dr. Melissa Read
I like calming music and a cup of tea.
Dogs always seem to calm me down. and when my dog is calm I can be to.
:) hack away at it. I find as I get older my main relaxation is quiet ALONE time. No students, no husband, no kids, no people. Just me, the pool, and some sun. I am solar and water powered.
Dan, What an unusual and yet exciting hobby. Sounds like your dirt bike really helps give you the feeling of getting away!
Dr. Melissa Read
I like to ride my dirtbike to relax. I totally takes my mind off anything that might be stressing me out and its great exercise.
I walk my dog when I get home and also just sitting and petting her makes me calm. Pets are a must!!
Jason, Nice! I appreciate your simple approach to stress management. It doesn't have to be complicated. It just has to work for you.
Dr. Melissa Read
