S-T-R-E-S-S

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!