Some that I have done in the past 12 yeaqrs, call my best friend and just talk about it, sometimes we even go walking or fishing just to get away.
Lea, So true. A lot of times, it's just about having the right perspective. Perspective can dramatically change how we feel about a situation. That's often why different people - with different perspectives - respond to situations in different ways.
Dr. Melissa Read
I will get more rest. The house is almost done so I will be able to relax more.
I cannot eliminate the stressor of being a single mom of 3 boys. I can call my mom more often and utilize sharing as a source of support.
When coping with stressors that I cannot eliminate, I plan on exercising more instead of doing 3 times a week I’ll increase my work out to five times a week. Listening to my iPod and tuning out everything else also aids me in decreasing stress. I also use to take yoga classes, which I found yoga to be a significant stress reducer.
I know that some things that really help me are those that were talked about. I know if I take a minute to really breath and stretch I feel a little more relaxed. Also just doing some kind of physical activity always helps. Sometimes it is hard to make yourself get going but you will always feel better. I need to go through my life and decide which of my stressors can be eliminated and which ones that I need to start doing something differently so they wont stress me as much.
I have a hobby of restoring classic cars. I find that it is the only thing that i have full control over. I keep it a hobby and there for i can stop working on it when ever i wish
Philippe, Excellent. Sounds like you are at the tail end of a major project. Sometimes these can be very stressful and it's good when we can see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Dr. Melissa Read
Based on what I learned in this module i need to start running again. When I started getting to stressed about things i stopped running so i would have more time to get task completed. I noticed that I got even more stressed about a couple of weeks after I stopped. I thought it was I just had more on my plate.
Jared, Interesting approach. Some instructors turn their hobby into a full time job. This sometimes diminishes their interest and enjoyment in the hobby. I like your approach of keeping the work you love as a great outlet but not something mandatory that you have to do.
Dr. Melissa Read
Daniel, It can be a downward spiral when we abandon our coping mechanisms to get work done. While there are short-term gains, we often experience long term setbacks. It's good to hear you have a healthy respect for the balance you needs.
Dr. Melissa Read
There are many stressors in my life. To cope with them I mainly use sharing or just spend some time alone and in a comfortable setting to just relax.
Making a list of what is the stressors in our life is objective one! Assessing how they are affecting our home and work life would be two. Not all stress is a bad thing. It can be a motivator. For me, I like "my" time so I can evaluate what truly is a stressor and what simply annoys or bothers me.
Exercise and breathing help alot with reducing stress. I talk to my students prior to exams about breathing exercises to help them relax, so they will not panic when they start the exam. What helps me to relax is to get on my motorcyle and ride. There is nothing better.
I think I need to identify stressors that I can do something about, but also those I cannot. Those I can fix, I will take care of, but those I cannot, I will find a way to seriously cope.
I think family challenges will alway be a stressor for most people. a change attitude toward relative will improve thier attitude towards you. Knowing that the stress is even a problem will be the frist step in truly growing into a better person and better conections.
Craig, It's wonderful to hear that you are leading your students through exercises that reduce their stress. In the process of teaching others, you probably remind yourself of some things that work for you too.
Dr. Melissa Read
William, Yes, that's the right approach. It's critically important to let go of things that are out of our control. Otherwise we tend to drive ourselves crazy.
Dr. Melissa Read
Robert, Sounds like you have found two great coping mechanisms. That's good to hear. Sharing and withdrawing to take some time for yourself are both nice techniques.
Dr. Melissa Read
I have a few stressors that cannot be eliminated and I'm going to try a few things at the same time. Take the time to talk more about my daily challenges with someone,start going to bed an hour earlier and follow up on a hobbie that was put on hold some time ago.
