Managing stress

AlecEiffel

Hi all.

Like everyone I have stress in my life. Lately however I feel like I have more, its more intense and prolonged, and I'm getting far worse at managing it.

What are your tips, how do you manage stress? Any recommendations on good reads to help?

Cheers.

cono1717

Exercise is actually a really good way of dealing with stress. You replace it for a physical stress rather than a mental one.

Running, or boxing are good forms of stress relief, boxing for the obvious reasons.

teddysmum

Yoga is excellent.
Health authorities used to run special classes targeting people with stress problems, but nowadays, you would have to ask what is available at sports facilities or enquire at the local council offices.

enjoyyourshoes

Great advice, do exerise that either you enjoy or use it to try something new, it may surprise you.

Reading not watching TV

Cooking from scratch and trying new recipe per week not eating out and microwave ready meals.

Identify what is causing the stress and why and set strategies to limit these.

Be aware that you can not solve everything and you can only influence what you can within your own sphere.

AlecEiffel

Cheers all. Yeah I need to accept what I can and can't do affect myself. And get some exercise. Something called mindfulness has been recommended, I may look into that.

wary

I find that going out for a walk, especially if you have some nice countryside within easy reach, is a good form of exercise that helps relieve stress.

Armchair23

We all find different ways that help, mindfulness, exercise, counselling or medication.

It's rarely the same for us all so try things and see what combination works for you.

MBSR (mindfulness based stress reduction) can be prescribed by your GP but it's not the golden ticket the NHS would like us to think.

You are open to asking for help and that's the biggest and most important first step.

I really hope you find something that works for you, be prepared to try and if things don't work out the first time - try again.

Fingers crossed that you find a way through.

wary

Full of crap, I know, but I find a diet coke has a calming influence on me when I'm badly wound up about something ...

FBaby

What type of stress do you suffer from? Anxiety/worry? Exhaustion/rushing around? Mind needing to switch off?

Mindfulness is be best for the first, yoga/easy swim best for the second, intense exercise best for the latter or of course, even better, a holiday!

teddysmum

FBaby wrote: »

What type of stress do you suffer from? Anxiety/worry? Exhaustion/rushing around? Mind needing to switch off?

Mindfulness is be best for the first, yoga/easy swim best for the second, intense exercise best for the latter or of course, even better, a holiday!

My situation was one of worry and anxiety over a very real situation which was not of my making, but yoga really helped.


Some time after my sessions, I met a lady who had been to the same ones . She was working at a supermarket checkout and was very pleased that the yoga and relaxation had enabled her to work, after being afraid to do so for a long time.


Just yoga breathing is good for switching off, as you need to concentrate on the breath.

jenniewb

I struggle when I get very anxious and find the best thing is being around friends and being able to talk with people, sometimes about what is upsetting me but also sometimes talking about other people and what's going on in their lives, good or bad. It just gives me a bit of a breather and some space so I can come back to things a bit stronger.


It's not a cure, it just helps. I will do yoga and understand how mindfulness works and I walk and exercise too but don't tend to find these things help me, but socialising (in a calm way- eg not a bar or a party!) seems to be the best thing for me. Different horses for different courses I suppose.