Stress - how do YOU cope with it?
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free skin care · Sun May 06, 2007 12:11 pm

It's a stressful world, no doubt about it! I'll admit I used to think that when my kids got older my stress levels would even out ... but now I realize that why the situations may change up, the levels remain the same.

I'm looking for healthy ways to reduce my stress load. There are many factors I CAN'T control in my world, but I *think* I can control my reactions to them if I try!

Sooooooo ... I'm looking for good ideas. I already exercise to keep my blood sugar levels even and don't have time to add more.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks! Ruth/4sons

free skin care · Sun May 06, 2007 12:38 pm

i think exercise is the best way to reduce stress for me.
i will jog and jog till i'm tired!
and then have a spa for relax, after that sleep.
tomorrow is a new day!

free skin care · Sun May 06, 2007 1:44 pm

Emotional freedom therapy. My friend got me into it when I was having a bit of a breakdown. Every time I feel stress creeping up I use the techniques and it really helps.

You can download the manual at emofree.com. There is no charge and I think the guy Gary Craig is genuinely interested in helping people rather than making a fast buck.

free skin care · Sun May 06, 2007 2:07 pm

Holy smokes, Liz ... I already downloaded that! I read it and wondered if it REALLY worked. Do you do those techniques regularly or just when feeling unglued???

free skin care · Sun May 06, 2007 2:14 pm

Yoga works wonders for me. 2 to 3 90 minute sessions per week really help me feel centered and balanced. It's a great way to spend time with myself, clear my mind, and block out all the noise from the outside world. I feel replenished and refreshed after each class. I highly recommend this inside and out!

free skin care · Sun May 06, 2007 2:24 pm

4sons wrote:

Holy smokes, Liz ... I already downloaded that! I read it and wondered if it REALLY worked. Do you do those techniques regularly or just when feeling unglued???

When I first crashed, I used them four or five times a day or when I felt a panic attack coming on. It took a while to feel comfortable and confident doing it but you soon get the hang of it. I just use them occasionally now as I seem to be generally coping a lot better at the moment. And yes, it seems mad, but it does work. I am a pretty cynical person so was somewhat surprised.

And anyway it's free so nothing to lose anyway!

free skin care · Sun May 06, 2007 3:47 pm

I know exercise is the right answer, but I don't do it. When I get stressed, I withdraw -- I surf the net, watch TV, read a magazine. I just want to be alone to catch my breath when I get stressed out.

free skin care · Sun May 06, 2007 3:53 pm

marci65 wrote:

I know exercise is the right answer, but I don't do it. When I get stressed, I withdraw -- I surf the net, watch TV, read a magazine. I just want to be alone to catch my breath when I get stressed out.

That's what I prefer, Marci!!! I'm trying to be more proactive and keep stress from clobbering me as much. I feel pretty darned overwhelmed!

free skin care · Sun May 06, 2007 4:00 pm

Ruth I find it helpful for me to watch what I eat, certain foods can trigger spikes in your insulin levels which can lead to mood swings.
Exercise is the most wonderful stress relief as well you could try natural drops called "Rescue Remedy" they seems to have a very calming effect.
Hope you remain stress free!

free skin care · Sun May 06, 2007 5:09 pm

I normally keep reminding myself of the following so I wrote it down and read it before I go to bed. Smile

Negative emotions will bring TOXIC effects on the body and all kinds of illness.
Turn Negative beliefs to positive ones will help to strengthen the immune system.

free skin care · Sun May 06, 2007 8:03 pm

I focus on not worrying too much...and focusing on what I can control...not all the stuff that's out of my control. I plan ahead...but try to roll w/things when they don't go as planned. I also do yoga and get massages regularly... both of these help me to release stress, and remain calm.

free skin care · Sun May 06, 2007 8:26 pm

Talking about my stress to the people closest to me helps tons. It is very comforting knowing that I can share my worries with someone I trust. I do not expect them to solve my problems for me but being able to express them verbally is very therapeutic.

free skin care · Sun May 06, 2007 8:38 pm

What works for me:

sex - forces me to be in the moment, and break free of whatever is stressing me

yoga - it's actually the same effect as the sex, LOL! Makes me be in the moment

massage - if I can't have the intimacy, the human touch of a professional Confused

is still incredibly relaxing

a good cry - well, that's what works for me, but I guess what I mean here is you need an outlet for the emotions attached to that stress. I had a boyfriend who felt better after he punched some trees. Embarassed

free skin care · Mon May 07, 2007 12:57 pm

I find that I can block the stress before it gets my blood pumping. It's the power of the mind thing.

At work, I don't let stress get to me. I just take things one day at a time. I figured the worst thing that could happen to me if I couldn't get something done despite my best effort was they could fire me, but they can't kill me. However stress can, so I'd rather not worry about work. I just try my best.

I used to worry about everything. I stop now. Worrying is a major cause for stress but it does nothing productive. It's much better to stop worrying and try to figure out what to do to solve the problem you were stressing about.

If I know about something that will trigger stress, I will stay away from it. Relationship issues can cause stress, so I try to manage them as they're still small. I don't bottle things up any more. I find that I can talk things out with my bf, and things get resolved. No stress, no headache, or heartache.

Kid problem? I just talk to them, too. If they get out of hands, I give them a time out first and let them off if they say they're ready to talk. The time-out gives both of us time to think about things for our talk.

free skin care · Mon May 07, 2007 4:45 pm

I do some soul searching when I am irritable and edgy. After all, when nothing's right, it always has to do with what is working and what isb't working with your spirit Laughing

I grab some me-time. I second yoga- I got into it thinking that I could get in shape but I really connected with an artform that leaves me breathless and bonding with my surroundings.

I also go walking with the doggy, since he needs exercise and I always feel better communing with nature. Of course, I am unemployed and not looking for work before I start college, so walking anytime is convenient for me, haha. But I'm telling you, 5 or 10 mins, whatever you can squeeze out of your day. It's worth it to walk in the rain (with an umbrella, of course!) and smell the air and the warmth...ahh.

Cleaning up one's living conditions always helps too, I find. Yesterday, I was struggling with a huge bout of good old PMS, worrying and being restless, and I decided to clean my room and move a lot of things around so I had something new to look at. There is nothing so great as standing in your own space with everything put away, nice and neat, and all of your pretty things surrounding you.

Tying in to the last one, I'm a big fan of incense and candles. Our house is filled with them and my room looks especially pretty with the glow of a few tealights and tart burning and filling the air with FRESHNESS.

Journal writing- I go through my spiritual books (oh you guys must be sick of me tossing that word around Wink

) and write down inspirational and beautiful passages to remind me of the greater things in life. I've never been much of a journal writer until recently and now I find that everything- my childhood memories, the times I share with my fiance, my talks with God- I want to write it all down to share with future generations. Plus, going back over my words reminds me of better times and that I really have no need to toil in self pity.

And last but not least- I'm really showing my age here- PLAYSTATION. Being a girl gamer gives me a chance to wreck havoc in my role playing games. There's nothing like saving the world to boost morale.

Mon May 07, 2007 5:43 pm

FrevaKZ wrote:

And last but not least- I'm really showing my age here- PLAYSTATION. Being a girl gamer gives me a chance to wreck havoc in my role playing games. There's nothing like saving the world to boost morale.

I LOVE my Playstation too! I am so addicted to Guitar Hero II!

It's a great way to release stress - lots of laughing and good fun all around.

free skin care · Mon May 07, 2007 5:44 pm

Second on the Guitar Hero!!

We've even had Guitar Hero "parties" Laughing

Mon May 07, 2007 10:22 pm

When I'm stressed, I listen/sing/dance to embarrassing pop music like *NSYNC and Britney Spears. It's funny how I always remember every word to their songs!

free skin care · Tue May 08, 2007 10:36 pm

I walk. I put my ipod on, turn it up so it drowns everything else out, and I just walk.
If that doesn't work, I'll eat a bunch of those Little Debbie chocolate cupcakes ~now those work!!!!! Cool

free skin care · Fri May 25, 2007 6:54 pm

i think with stress, u just gotta find out what ur stressor is and try to elimate or lessen it...altho relaxation techniques help, the stressor is still gonna be there. i always beleive u have to find the root of things

when ur stuck in a situation, u cant exercise or avoid the stress...i remember a teacher telling us to think of a fruit- all the details: the colour, its shape, the taste, think of how u would draw the fruit. altho that sounds weird, it really helps when ur anxiuos and stressful

for me, i never really get stressed. i guess im quite laid back, i try not to let anything get to me

free skin care · Fri May 25, 2007 8:12 pm

I use Bach's Rescue Remedy--- it calms me down like you wouldn't believe! I've also just started drinking this really lovely lavender-rose-chamomile tea which is very calming and soothing.

free skin care · Tue May 29, 2007 6:32 am

exercise then eat good food and shop

free skin care · Tue May 29, 2007 10:03 pm

Doing exercises is the best way for me!!

free skin care · Wed May 30, 2007 2:49 am

I'd prefer to do the followings:

a good cry / sing loudly and beautifully of course / shopping / sharing with my close friends / playing with my lovely doggies / playing Nintendo Wii / massaging / doing facial...

Smile

Thu May 31, 2007 8:15 pm

I wish I could just pack up my things and head to the beach sometimes. On weekdays I just lock myself in my room and listen to my favorite vent music if the stress gets out of hand.

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