by Diana McCollum
We have all faced tough times and stress in our lives and dealt with it in various ways.
I’ve found
exercise, walking or the machines at the gym, to be a great stress reliever for me. When walking I’ve
worked through and solved some of my problems. Something about moving and
thinking at the same time, just works for me.
Another
thing I’ve found that helps is thinking about my problem for 10 mins or so
before sleeping. The subconscious works away at night and sometimes comes up
with the perfect solution.
Really tough
times I’ve relied on my family and friends to see me through. They’ve always
been there for me, as I am for them. They are my biggest support and sounding
board. My Sister Sarah and I have a favorite saying that gets us through the tough times: This to shall pass. Repeated enough and it gives you hope.
If I'm stressed in the moment and need to respond. I'll take a couple of deep breaths and calm myself first.
If I'm really down I'll repeat one of my mantras. When I get up in the morning I say to myself, "Today is going to be a day of Joy, a day that is Joyous, and a life that is Joyful!" I repeat this several times and it helps my spirits.
And books!!!! Oh, what they do for me.
If I'm stressed in the moment and need to respond. I'll take a couple of deep breaths and calm myself first.If I'm really down I'll repeat one of my mantras. When I get up in the morning I say to myself, "Today is going to be a day of Joy, a day that is Joyous, and a life that is Joyful!" I repeat this several times and it helps my spirits.
And books!!!! Oh, what they do for me.
I read books
for entertainment to get my mind off whatever is troubling me, even if it is
just for a while. Stories that take me away to another time, or place can be just what I need to calm down and deal with the stressful situation.
And more
books, that deal with specific problems such as: "The Mind Connection" or "Stress Management".
I never
indulge in food to get me through or I’d weigh 200 lbs.!!!
What do you
do to relieve stress and deal with life’s problems?
7 comments:
To deal with stress, I pray and meditate, practice mindfulness, and recently found Tai Chi. I'm also getting better at saying "No" to projects that don't give me pleasure. I, too, am a person for whom movement tends to unlock the gates of my subconscious mind.
I believe a lot of stress can be reduced through our own reactions to it. My fellow Blog Queen, Judith Ashley, teaches a way of looking at life called Choice Theory. She will have a book out in a few weeks called Staying Sane When the World Goes Crazy that is all about managing stress. Can't wait to read it!
Great post, Diana!
Thanks for stopping by Sarah. I pray too, although I don't really see where that relieves my stress, movement is the main thing.
Meditation and exercise are the best stress-reducers for me. And deep breathing. I have to remind myself to do the deep breathing several times a day. I start with meditation before working in the morning. To relax me and get me to focus better.
I think I'm going to have to check meditation out. Barb, do you have a specific place in your home where you do it? Thanks for stopping by!!
When I pray because I'm stressed, I am able to release my problems into God's hands. Praying reminds me of what I can control and what I can't. I trust things will work out as they should and am able to stop ruminating about my problems. I do what I can and then release it. That's how it works for me.
I'm glad pray works for you, Sarah!
I also find moving helps me sort things out. I call that walking meditation because it isn't just the act of moving - I'm also ruminating on what is bothering me. And one of the keys for me is to determine if it is something over which I have control. If not, I do my best to release it. And if I do have control? Then it's time to create my "Staying Sane Plan."
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