Donald, Sounds like you have a great process in place and one that you can count on. Great work! I also like your point about letting things simmer and I think that couldn't be more true.
Dr. Melissa Read
Jennifer, It's nice to hear that you have found an outlet that you can take on the road with you. It's nice to be able to have a method that we can use to cope anywhere. Note that I understand you are trying not to disturb your coworkers. That sounds like a respectful approach. However, another approach is to invite them to join you. This can, in some circumstances, work too!
Dr. Melissa Read
I believe that daily meditation is a great way to cope with stress. Before going to work I read a book with helpful daily thoughts. During the day when I feel stress approaching I take some deep breaths and remember the daily thought. I find leaving the building at lunch also reduces stress.
Tracy
Madeline I love your endorsement of quick naps! When I take my lunch break I go to my car, set my alarm for 30 minutes and enjoy a quick nap. After the nap I feel very refreshed. I wish naps were manadatory!
I will plan on tsking more breaks during the day and be more rigorous when it comes to exercise.
I Like to do yoga to relieve stress. I also find that the old saying - a problem shared is a problem halved - to be very true.
I agree with the sleep/rest idea. Too many times bedtime is moved aside to complete some minor project cutting down on my resting time. I need to be more strict about my schedule. Breathing exercises were taught to me several years ago. I use them when needed to cope with stress. They can work wonders in relaxation.
Ithink that my next plan for stress management is a good workout routine. I always talk about it and never can make time, its time!
Danielle, I hear you. A lot of instructors end up in this situation. We have the best of intentions but never find the time. I recommend starting small and working your way up. Even if you can do just 5-10 minutes of exercise per day, it can be well worth it. Also note that small choices can make a big difference. Taking the stairs as compared to the elevator for example can pay off when you do this consistently.
Dr. Melissa Read
Tracy, Sounds like you have found an approach that works really well for you. I can't tell you the number of instructors who have also let me know about the benefits of meditation over the years. For some people, it's a wonderful tool, and it's great because you can do it almost anywhere!
Dr. Melissa Read
I like ride my mountain bike. but I think I would like to incorporate stretching and breathing exercises too. I could use some soft piano music too. How's that sound?
Brandon, Sounds great. I like the diversity of your plan. It's nice to have several outlets to choose from - especially some that are not weather dependent.
Dr. Melissa Read
One of the best ways to cope with stress is to approach it with a well rested body. Proper nutrition further increases the body's ability to handle stress.
First I will be more likely to reach out for support from my family, friends and peers. Then I will do my best to break down the stressors that can't be eliminated into more doable chunks.
I enjoy running and exercising to help deal with stressors in my life. Along with exercise I like to commute on my motorcycle to and from work. It may not seem like much but riding to work is a stress reliever for me like yoga or meditation is for others. In addition to exercise I feel that when I work out I am more aware and awake of my surroundings.
This is an issue I have been working on a lot. I try breathing exercises. I also make sure I have at least 15 minutes to do something I love...even if it is just reading before bed. I am trying to incorporate exercise into my routine as well.
Audrey, That sounds like a wonderful approach. Really love the part about doing something you love. For all the work we do, it's so important to reward ourselves. That's what all the work is for, though it's easy to forget.
Dr. Melissa Read
Ronda, Sounds like the right approach and one that's well balanced too. I like how you rely both on others as well as your own new techniques for coping. Nice thinking!
Dr. Melissa Read
David, You are not alone! I hear the same thing from so many instructors. Many love to ride on their motorcycles on the open roads as a way to reduce stress. Working out is another great outlet, and I'm interested to hear that it actually heightens your awareness of your environment. Nice!
Dr. Melissa Read
I think it can be reduced, tamed or maintained
by getting really organize, not over thinking everything . Stressors are caused
by ourselves, by overthinking certain things or making things into a big deal or making
problems that weren't even problems in the first place. Sometimes, we just need to relax and just think for for a momment and breathe. WE sometimes just need to accept, be thankful and look at the nice view all around us.
