How do you manage stress?

Zophie · May 23rd, 2008, 03:02 PM

Without going into detail, I've been under a great deal of work-related stress lately. I can't unwind. And I'm even getting more pressure to take on an assignment that I truly believe is beyond my skill level and made to feel like I'm just not serious about my career if I don't take this assignment. I've been crying all last night and this morning from the thought of it.

I'm naturally sort of a workaholic. I like to work a lot. I've always been that way. But lately it's just become a little too much and I don't know how to deal with it. I've been getting massages, but it's not like I can get them ten times a day. I'm thinking it might help me to go to a therapist, but every time I try to find one I get overwhelmed by the whole process and give up.

Infinitum · May 23rd, 2008, 06:49 PM

Seriously, I workout. Sounds cheesy, but it really works. Seriously does. Maybe you do workout already. A hobby might work. Something you like, truly love and cherish. I work a lot too. Full-time mother, full-time business owner and full-time financier. And my child is not in childcare either nor do I have a nanny. I'm a full hands on mother. The demands of husband, work, child and life in general take a toll, but if you have an outlet, it might work. Something you do on your own separate from work and love life.

Meditation might work too. Either religious meditation or something more along the lines like Yoga---if Yoga---Bikram is amazing---makes your whole body feel like a BIG weight has been lifted after the session. Discomfort during the session and peace and relief after the session. :)

I dunno, I hope this helps.

Cheers!

wordpast · May 23rd, 2008, 08:59 PM

Mediation. Seriously, I find myself craving it now. I am so at peace and calm when I'm a meditating. Over time, if you are doing it right, you will find that it will stay with you through the day. If a problem or obstacle comes up-- my mind now stays calm... because I have trained it to. Of course I still have bad days and don't always react to people or problems the way I would like, but honestly sh*t just doesn't affect me the way it used to. And it's not because I care any less about the situations, it's just my mind handles them diffrently now.

Anyways, sorry about all the stress you're under. Good luck!

Zophie · May 24th, 2008, 01:46 AM

I don't understand how to mediate. I can't seem to get my mind to just shut the hell up.

Pursegrrl · May 24th, 2008, 02:18 AM

Hey Z, I have a few things that work for me...
- brisk walking around my neighborhood. Lots of good hills.
- a team sport. I play (ice) hockey as you might know and I often suck at it. But it's a completely different 'me' from the 'me' at work so I have to totally focus off of work when I am on the ice
- bubble baths. I am so not a bath person but lately I've been getting into baths with wonderful oils and sea salts...I just drift off to sleep afterwards!
- a gathering with friends for laughs and hugs. Best medicine, IMO!
- journaling. I need to pour it all out when I'm stressed, pissed, what have you. Sometimes it's here on tPF and other times it's my private word documents.

...I can't do meditation either...don't worry.

Zophie · May 24th, 2008, 04:56 AM

Walking does help me. I like to walk to and around the park, but often I can't do it because of weather or getting home too late. I just need to find ways to get away from my job and take my mind off of it, which is very hard to do. I tried Bikram Yoga a while back and really didn't like it. I'm hoping to find another type of yoga that will suit me better though and a place that I enjoy going. I've thought about joining a gym that seems to have a good number of yoga classes but I'd hate to join and then not end up going and be stuck with a year membership. I swear sometimes it just feels like everybody wants a piece of me and my best just isn't good enough and I feel like I'm going insane.

wordpast · May 24th, 2008, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zophie

I don't understand how to mediate. I can't seem to get my mind to just shut the hell up.

haha. I know what you mean. It is VERY hard. My mind still wonders and wants to do it's own thing when I'm meditating.

b3stbuy · May 24th, 2008, 04:28 PM

i clean or workout...meditation is also good....incorporate it with yoga and pilates...ive been doing pilates once a week for the past year...its helped me to be more calm and centered not to mention more toned physically

i hope you find the best method for you :)

Zophie · May 24th, 2008, 05:40 PM

I think I'm going to start looking for a yoga class. I have a pilates machine at home and do pilates, but I need more structure and a different environment to get away from all the stress. I work a lot at home, so my office is right by the pilates machine and that's not far enough away!

trixz · May 24th, 2008, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zophie

I swear sometimes it just feels like everybody wants a piece of me and my best just isn't good enough and I feel like I'm going insane.

I know EXACTLY what you mean. That's what happened to me a while ago and work was a part of it. Initially, I thought I was under some sort of depression and even started a thread on it. I did some soul searching and figured that I was too drained and deprived myself of what I want. I was constantly putting others first that I neglected me. Here's what I did: I took a few days off from work and spent almost the whole day at the spa on the first day. I took myself to places I always wanted to go but never had the time to do so. I also bought some good books - it's a good company when you want to unwind at home. Not to mention taking myself to dine at different nice places. I also bought some desserts and ice-cream home. The end result? I feel so much better and happier!

I hope what I've shared with you will benefit you in some ways and that you will feel better soon. *hugs*

ArmCandyLuvr · May 24th, 2008, 09:03 PM

Working out helps me too. My mind tends to go blank when I work out. I get in zone, I guess. That's probably the healthiest way I handle stress. I have some unhealthy habits too, though. One of the reasons I became 360 pounds is because I overeat when I am stressed. However, I have gotten a handle on that more or less. I understand what sets me off and I try to nip stress in the bud before I get tempted to binge. My other unhealthy habit is retail therapy. Hitting up the mall to deal with stress is bad idea. I don't have any debt except students loans. If I use my credit card, I only spend what I can afford to pay immediately when my statement comes. I am very careful about that, but I worry that I could do something stupid if I let shopping become too much of habit.
I also use prayer and meditation to relax. Communing with high power puts me in such a peaceful state. My faith as kept me going through so much.

BasketballCourt · May 24th, 2008, 09:22 PM

If I am feeling stressed out over something it helps me to take a bike ride. Especially right around this time of year when the flowers are blooming and birds are chirping... I rode yesterday and came very close to a rabbit that just sat there staring at me! LOL.

Another way I manage stress is sitting down in front of my computer and numbing my brain by playing endless games on Club Pogo.

sierrasun1 · May 24th, 2008, 10:01 PM

Zophie, my thoughts are with you. I hope you're feeling better today. I'm sorry the past couple days have been so rough. I've had a similar few days (right there with you with the tears). Sending positive wishes your way.

I agree with all the ideas people mentioned and hope you find something that works for you. The thing I'm trying to do more of myself is learning to meditate. Apparently, it's incredibly powerful for those that do it. I want to tap into that.
And, the thing that I like so much about it is that you can do it anywhere, anytime - literally.... at any moment you need it, it's there.

I know exactly what you mean, tho, about getting your mind to 'shut up'! I can't get my thoughts to simmer down either. They say practicing makes it better, we'll see. :-)

I recently got a book called "8 Minute Meditation" (Victor Davich).... easy, easy read and I like it so far because the premise is that you don't have to devote a lot of time to it, and there is no wrong way to do it.

Interesting quote: Meditation is like scuba gear... with it, you can see, hear, touch and taste your thoughts without drowning in them.

Wishing you the best!!

nviedprincess · May 25th, 2008, 07:52 PM

Workout, yoga, spa

bibounette97 · May 25th, 2008, 08:04 PM

For everyday stress relief I workout. It makes me feel good, I get a sense of accomplishment, and I sleep better. I also play sports, good times with good people in an easy going atmosphere helps me to relax.

Once in a blue moon I clean up, I mean really clean, get rid of things that I need.

May 23rd, 2008, 03:02 PM	#1
Zophie I <3 my Maltese! Location: New Orleans, LA	How do you manage stress? Without going into detail, I've been under a great deal of work-related stress lately. I can't unwind. And I'm even getting more pressure to take on an assignment that I truly believe is beyond my skill level and made to feel like I'm just not serious about my career if I don't take this assignment. I've been crying all last night and this morning from the thought of it. I'm naturally sort of a workaholic. I like to work a lot. I've always been that way. But lately it's just become a little too much and I don't know how to deal with it. I've been getting massages, but it's not like I can get them ten times a day. I'm thinking it might help me to go to a therapist, but every time I try to find one I get overwhelmed by the whole process and give up. __________________

May 23rd, 2008, 06:49 PM	#2
Infinitum Professional Cutie Location: Houston, NYC, Dallas	Re: How do you manage stress? Seriously, I workout. Sounds cheesy, but it really works. Seriously does. Maybe you do workout already. A hobby might work. Something you like, truly love and cherish. I work a lot too. Full-time mother, full-time business owner and full-time financier. And my child is not in childcare either nor do I have a nanny. I'm a full hands on mother. The demands of husband, work, child and life in general take a toll, but if you have an outlet, it might work. Something you do on your own separate from work and love life. Meditation might work too. Either religious meditation or something more along the lines like Yoga---if Yoga---Bikram is amazing---makes your whole body feel like a BIG weight has been lifted after the session. Discomfort during the session and peace and relief after the session. :) I dunno, I hope this helps. Cheers!

May 23rd, 2008, 08:59 PM	#3
wordpast Member Location: Never Never Land	Re: How do you manage stress? Mediation. Seriously, I find myself craving it now. I am so at peace and calm when I'm a meditating. Over time, if you are doing it right, you will find that it will stay with you through the day. If a problem or obstacle comes up-- my mind now stays calm... because I have trained it to. Of course I still have bad days and don't always react to people or problems the way I would like, but honestly sh*t just doesn't affect me the way it used to. And it's not because I care any less about the situations, it's just my mind handles them diffrently now. Anyways, sorry about all the stress you're under. Good luck! __________________

May 24th, 2008, 01:46 AM	#4
Zophie I <3 my Maltese! Location: New Orleans, LA	Re: How do you manage stress? I don't understand how to mediate. I can't seem to get my mind to just shut the hell up. __________________

May 24th, 2008, 02:18 AM	#5
Pursegrrl Oh! That Joe! Location: Seattle	Re: How do you manage stress? Hey Z, I have a few things that work for me... - brisk walking around my neighborhood. Lots of good hills. - a team sport. I play (ice) hockey as you might know and I often suck at it. But it's a completely different 'me' from the 'me' at work so I have to totally focus off of work when I am on the ice - bubble baths. I am so not a bath person but lately I've been getting into baths with wonderful oils and sea salts...I just drift off to sleep afterwards! - a gathering with friends for laughs and hugs. Best medicine, IMO! - journaling. I need to pour it all out when I'm stressed, pissed, what have you. Sometimes it's here on tPF and other times it's my private word documents. ...I can't do meditation either...don't worry.

May 24th, 2008, 04:56 AM	#6
Zophie I <3 my Maltese! Location: New Orleans, LA	Re: How do you manage stress? Walking does help me. I like to walk to and around the park, but often I can't do it because of weather or getting home too late. I just need to find ways to get away from my job and take my mind off of it, which is very hard to do. I tried Bikram Yoga a while back and really didn't like it. I'm hoping to find another type of yoga that will suit me better though and a place that I enjoy going. I've thought about joining a gym that seems to have a good number of yoga classes but I'd hate to join and then not end up going and be stuck with a year membership. I swear sometimes it just feels like everybody wants a piece of me and my best just isn't good enough and I feel like I'm going insane. __________________

May 24th, 2008, 04:28 PM	#8
b3stbuy Member Location: land of the 3 stars and the sun	Re: How do you manage stress? i clean or workout...meditation is also good....incorporate it with yoga and pilates...ive been doing pilates once a week for the past year...its helped me to be more calm and centered not to mention more toned physically i hope you find the best method for you :) __________________ ~to my dogs, i am perfection personified...and i only hope that i am the person they think me to be ~

May 24th, 2008, 05:40 PM	#9
Zophie I <3 my Maltese! Location: New Orleans, LA	Re: How do you manage stress? I think I'm going to start looking for a yoga class. I have a pilates machine at home and do pilates, but I need more structure and a different environment to get away from all the stress. I work a lot at home, so my office is right by the pilates machine and that's not far enough away! __________________

May 24th, 2008, 09:03 PM	#11
ArmCandyLuvr Loves Boys X Boys! Location: WI, USA	Re: How do you manage stress? Working out helps me too. My mind tends to go blank when I work out. I get in zone, I guess. That's probably the healthiest way I handle stress. I have some unhealthy habits too, though. One of the reasons I became 360 pounds is because I overeat when I am stressed. However, I have gotten a handle on that more or less. I understand what sets me off and I try to nip stress in the bud before I get tempted to binge. My other unhealthy habit is retail therapy. Hitting up the mall to deal with stress is bad idea. I don't have any debt except students loans. If I use my credit card, I only spend what I can afford to pay immediately when my statement comes. I am very careful about that, but I worry that I could do something stupid if I let shopping become too much of habit. I also use prayer and meditation to relax. Communing with high power puts me in such a peaceful state. My faith as kept me going through so much. __________________ I reached my goal of losing 225 pounds! Thank you, tPF! Thank you, Richard! My Wishlist: [ ] Dior Holiday 2008 Palette [ ] Chanel Exclusive Nail Color Trio [X] Louis Vuitton Inclusion Ring in Pomme D'Amour-Got it! Thank you, DBF! [X] Coach 3x5 Leather Agenda in Gold-Got it! DBF strikes again! [ ] David Yurman 5 MM Cable Bangle in Blue Topaz [ ] David Yurman 5 MM Cable Bangle in Peridot [ ] MacBook Air Can't seem to stay on my shopping ban!

May 24th, 2008, 09:22 PM	#12
BasketballCourt Member Location: School	Re: How do you manage stress? If I am feeling stressed out over something it helps me to take a bike ride. Especially right around this time of year when the flowers are blooming and birds are chirping... I rode yesterday and came very close to a rabbit that just sat there staring at me! LOL. Another way I manage stress is sitting down in front of my computer and numbing my brain by playing endless games on Club Pogo. __________________ -Courtney

May 24th, 2008, 10:01 PM	#13
sierrasun1 Member	Re: How do you manage stress? Zophie, my thoughts are with you. I hope you're feeling better today. I'm sorry the past couple days have been so rough. I've had a similar few days (right there with you with the tears). Sending positive wishes your way. I agree with all the ideas people mentioned and hope you find something that works for you. The thing I'm trying to do more of myself is learning to meditate. Apparently, it's incredibly powerful for those that do it. I want to tap into that. And, the thing that I like so much about it is that you can do it anywhere, anytime - literally.... at any moment you need it, it's there. I know exactly what you mean, tho, about getting your mind to 'shut up'! I can't get my thoughts to simmer down either. They say practicing makes it better, we'll see. :-) I recently got a book called "8 Minute Meditation" (Victor Davich).... easy, easy read and I like it so far because the premise is that you don't have to devote a lot of time to it, and there is no wrong way to do it. Interesting quote: Meditation is like scuba gear... with it, you can see, hear, touch and taste your thoughts without drowning in them. Wishing you the best!!

May 25th, 2008, 07:52 PM	#14
nviedprincess Member	Re: How do you manage stress? Workout, yoga, spa

May 25th, 2008, 08:04 PM	#15
bibounette97 Member	Re: How do you manage stress? For everyday stress relief I workout. It makes me feel good, I get a sense of accomplishment, and I sleep better. I also play sports, good times with good people in an easy going atmosphere helps me to relax. Once in a blue moon I clean up, I mean really clean, get rid of things that I need.