S-T-R-E-S-S

amandaeve

I just got word of a big change in my life happening in about 3 week. It's a good thing, but a stressful thing. 3 hours into knowing about it and I've already started stress eating and I'm having a hard time concentrating. The stressful stuff hasn't even started yet!

What are some of your healthy strategies for coping with stress? I've spent a lot of time reducing stress in my life, but I don't have good tools for dealing with stressors I can't (or don't want to) avoid.

jlynnm70

1) Turn off my phone
2) Go do something physical - a walk, a bike ride, time on elliptical
3) Listen to music to change my mind set
4) Meditate
5) don't laugh - I color in a color book! (It totally simplifies my mind - and keeps my hands busy so I don't eat)

puffbrat

Talk it through with others, pre-log food, punching bag, obsessive preparation or deliberate under-preparation, music.

kshama2001

More cardio!

RelCanonical

jlynnm70 wrote: »

1) Turn off my phone
2) Go do something physical - a walk, a bike ride, time on elliptical
3) Listen to music to change my mind set
4) Meditate
5) don't laugh - I color in a color book!

Adult coloring books are the best!

I have to both address the stress and find productive outlets in order feel better. For me, addressing the stress involves doing things that I do have control over to at least reduce the stress. For example, if I am taking a trip, I make a list and write down addresses, phone numbers, and basically make a "cheat sheet". If I'm starting a new job, I set up my clothes way in advance, write down any names or roles to remember, look up the address and check it out if it's in an unfamiliar location, and get together any documents (like driver's license) that I will need for my first day.

Once I can do what I reasonably can, I do my best to tell myself that the rest is out of my control and there's no use worrying about it.

Once that's done, I can then distract myself. For me, just watching videos or reading isn't really enough. It feels too much like distraction and not enough like I'm living my life outside the stress. I guess, in other words, it has to be something that is not just revolving around the stress - it has to be a significant part of my life that isn't related to the stress. For me, I am constantly working on several stories that are all bundled up in my head, and I make it a point to write down as many details about them as possible so I don't forget, and then I work on actually making those details make sense in the plot. It's a lot of fun for me, but it's a lot of effort and makes it hard for my mind to wander.

I also care for my pet cat. She's a big part of my life. I want to get more pets, but for right now, taking care of her - cleaning her kitty spaces, brushing her out, playing with her, preparing her food - is a great way for me to live outside the stressful situation.

In my case, stress usually revolves around work, but if work isn't your point of stress, productive work can also be an outlet.

Edit - sorry, this ended up being longer than I expected!

tulips_and_tea

I'm not sure exactly what your upcoming stressor is but sometimes knowing about it ahead of time can make it worse. Our minds tend to jump to worst-case scenario and sometimes it's not as bad as we originally thought. Just an idea. Try not to dwell on it. Plan ahead as much as possible and take slow, long, deep breaths.

SCoil123

I usually manage my stress with my workouts. When I can’t workout a nice aroma therapy bubble bath and some alone time usually helps me reset and refocus.

AnnPT77

Good ideas above. If writing is not a stressor for you, I'd also encourage journaling (just let words flow) or visual journaling as possible outlets. Hot tub, bubble bath (aromatherapy version?), stretching/yoga can also be good.

Best wishes!

Machka9

I stop eating because I can't stomach food when I'm really stressed ... and I exercise as much as I can.

Machka9

Machka9 wrote: »

I stop eating because I can't stomach food when I'm really stressed ... and I exercise as much as I can.

"Really stressed" can be defined as what happened last March when my husband had a bad workplace accident which resulted in a severe traumatic brain injury. He was in a coma in ICU for 3 weeks, and his recovery has been long. I lost a lot of weight in those 3 weeks because I couldn't eat, and as soon as things started looking up a little, I started running.

Just normal stress, defined as work, university, assignments due, deadlines looming in my cycling club, caring for my husband etc., etc. means that I make lists. I have a long list of what needs to be done, and I keep picking away at it. I try to focus on doing one thing at a time ... doing the most urgent things first ... and trusting the list.

amandaeve

@macha9 I am so sorry to hear that. TBIs are some of the most challenging recoveries, an can be so challenging for the loved ones too. I had a close roommate with a TBI for a few years. Hugs go out to you and your family.

amandaeve

Ironically, the thing that stresses me out the most right now is that I'm worried about time for exercise and self-care. I'll be spending a lot more time at work for about 6 months to a year and worry that I'll go in headfirst and lose time for all the working out and time outdoors and reading, writing, art, list making that I do right now. It will pass and all will settle in time. But I've gotten so fond of all the "me time" I've carved out for myself recently. I know I'm already lucky lucky lucky to have the time I do now. It's a rare and recent pleasure, and I'm attached to it!

nikkit321

At least you know a timeframe, and can begin planning now. What if you planned out your day now, before the stress starts? Build in an hour for exercise, before or after work, plan 2 hours for being creative each weekend. If you have a plan before it starts, then you can follow the plan rather than try to create it when you're stressed. And of course, be willing to change the plan if it's not working.

garystrickland357

I ran across this idea the other day - I wish I could remember where I read it:

What would the person you will be tomorrow say to the person you are today about what you are doing?
For example, you are stressed and about to eat that doughnut. You're stressed and you just don't care at the moment, right?

So what does tomorrow you have to say about it? Would tomorrow you have any advice for you at the moment?

spanishdoors

Try this:
https://youtu.be/sYoqCJNPxv4