How do I change the way that I respond to stress and lower my stress level?
I have developed some not exactly healthy methods to deal with stress, including smoking. I mention it because needing to have a smoke is one of the biggest indicator I’m under too much stress.
Work, money, eating right, difficult people, traffic, things breaking down around the house, negative news, etc…
I don’t necessarily want to be able to handle more stress.
I’ve started a journal where I have noted the things that I find stressful, and have rated them according to how stressful they are and how much control I have over them.
I am open to any answers, even pollyanna & (non-fundie) religious ones.
I’m looking for advice on what the path towards better stress management really entails. Any good books you could suggest, too.
Thank you in advance.
December 7th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
I unleash my fury on poeple in the subway? After that I feel great!!!!
December 9th, 2008 at 10:05 am
Try drinking. It works for me.
December 11th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Get a biofeedback monitor. The thing actually works.
It attaches to a finger and emits a audible tone. You then make yourself calm down… as you relax the tone drops in frequency.
Over time you learn how to achieve the same state where you got that lowest tone when the monitor was hooked up to you… at will.
December 14th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
A walk in the woods does me wonders…
December 18th, 2008 at 5:01 am
The journal sounds like an EXCELLENT start. You could also take up a yoga or meditation class–those are also great for stress management. Also, a vitamin called St. John’s Wort you can buy in stores seems to help a lot of people, but I hear some folks have bad side effects on it.
Alternatively, you can take meds and/or see a therapist to keep a lid on your stress. Sometimes, that’s all that will help–but try the natural stuff, first.
December 18th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Don’t focus on the idea of having stress and the way to handle stress, but how you start in the morning. Always have a positive attitude.
December 19th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
Exercise is a proven method of relieving stress. Regular exercise will make you less stress prone in general, and exercise after a stressful incident may help you relax.
Massage is surprisingly effective too – I really recommend this myself – though it can be expensive to book a course professionally. But well worth it!
And ‘Chill-out’ type music.
I know these are all very obvious – but they do all work well.
December 21st, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Exercise is usually the best way to relieve stress. If you need a “cigarette” break then take a walk instead. Nicotine is actually an upper people think it calms them down, when actually it’s the deep breathing that calms them down more. Also try some anger management classes, they have great tips. A journal is a great start.
December 21st, 2008 at 8:49 pm
hiking helps
lay off the smokes
its a b**** to quit, but you can, i did
counting ten? sounds lame, right?
totally works
kids pissing you off?
count to ten
other drivers on the freeway?
exit
pull over
count to ten
deep breathing
its all that crap they told you when you had a tantrum when you were little
it all works
it all still applies
if youre high blood pressuring all over the place, too, you might wanna consider just sort of lowering the volume on life
lay off the tv
the radio
enjoy the silence
place a priority on sleep
its hard at first, but going to bed at nine pm can be really good for you
try it
and just in general, sort of ACT like youre zen
till you ARE zen
December 23rd, 2008 at 7:36 am
Ok Portwine, Firstly, I commend you for being able to be so candid and frank about the way you are feeling! Well done!!
Phase 1, stop and relax and don’t be so hard on yourself. As some of the previous posts have suggested, there are many alternatives to relaxing and creating a stress free environment. The onus lies with you though. It must start from home!
Think about what I’m saying here.
Clive Jenkins Expert Ezine Author