Stress management, any tips?

[blondesmiler]

So I have stress management issues, not always but sometimes and I get really tense shoulders which ends up in a tension headache.

 

I sleep well

I eat well

I take relaxing baths mosts nights

I use essential oils

I take Starflower Oil tablets and complete multivitamin

Occassionally I go for a massage or reflexology

 

But sometimes stress still comes and bites me on the butt, and I can feel overwhelmed by it.

 

Any tried and tested tips?

[fral945]

I always go back to basics:

 

Food, sleep, and sex.

 

You say you are eating well and getting enough sleep, so I assume you've got the first two. I'd add:

 

1) regular masturbation and/or sex (if you have a regular partner)

2) exercise (preferably something that taxes your muscles or makes you sweat)

3) listening to relaxing music

[SC]

Unfortunately, I don't have anything to contribute. The only thing I will say is that if anyone has got advice that can help then I would appreciate it too. I was made redundant on Friday and today I been given my notice to move out. Timings are unreal! Although it can be resolved I am in a state of panic, which I probably shouldn't be, but it is my absolute worst nightmare realised. How would anyone else deal with this specifically, or the stress generally?

 

I'm not trying to steal your thread, but it sounds like you have the same issue I have so we could both benefit from any contribution.

[Geishawhelk]

Yeah, hyjacking a thread is frowned upon, but I guess it's best to keep the neurotics corralled in one place...

 

 

That was a joke guys......

 

The thing that saved my life?

 

(And actually, no, I'm not exaggerating)

 

Was Qi Gong (which I now teach) - it's a form of highly meditative and passive Martial Art.

Like Tai Chi, but sl-o-o-o-o-wer!

 

And practising meditation.

 

This is best begun in a group, and then practised at home.

 

I used to be frenetic and fiery. Really, not a very nice person to be with at all. I wasn't ever offensibly nasty, and didn't make enemies. but my energy levels were too frenetic for people to cope with in medium (let alone large!) doses.

Then, I began to study Shiatsu, and alongside this, we also did Qi Gong.

It had such an overwhelmingly beneficial effect on my stress levels, I very soon became relatively good at it, because I took to it so well.

My tutor then suggested I do a separate course in Qi Gong, which I did, and I qualified as a teacher.

 

My stress levels are completely tolearble, and I would say, 90% of the time, insignificant.

[michelangelo]

Not so sure all the calming techniques are for everybody.

 

What works for me is really loud music cranked up in my truck while I head for the hills.

 

I don't know, some Metallica, or a bit o' Zep. Maybe some Al Dimeola.

 

Just gotta cut back on being that guy in the truck talking to himself hashing out whatever it is that bugs me.

[mark982]

tried and true tips? hell ya, go get drunk---- worked for me till i sobered up:D

[whichwayisup]

Yoga. It'll help you relax and not feel tense.

[Ronni_W]

A minute or two of simply breathing deeply and just focusing on the breath, or focusing on counting, or focusing on an imagined peaceful scene can also work wonders "in the heat of the moment".

 

The 3-minute "power pause" described in this free article, http://www.richbits.com/RBArchives/45sRB_powerpause.htm , is also a useful technique.

[blondesmiler]

Am bumping because I am still struggling with this.

 

I do the deep breathing, in for 6-8 counts, hold and breath out for 6-8counts.

 

I exercise 4-6 times a week. I will look at meditation or a form of.

 

I still feel so stressed, even angry especially when I am driving and the idiots do things, it really winds me up. I am so tired all the time even though I go to bed early and sleep well (most nights).

 

Just want to chill out and stop being so hept up.

[not_a_happy_camper]

Ok, you seem to be getting plenty of sleep. What kind of food do you eat, and do you eat regularly? Hope you're eating plenty of fruit and veg! and slow release carbohydrates. avoid tea, coffee and alcohol. Drink plenty of water. and get at least 20 mins exercise daily. In fresh air if possible.

 

If with all these steps, still feeling tired? Need to reassess lifestyle. Is your job stressful? are there things you can change about your day to day lifestyle that would reduce stress levels? Look at the things that cause you to get stressed. and try and remove them from your life. better to treat the cause and not the symptoms! Though sometimes the cause is more about the way you react to things, than what's actually happening. In this case you need to break down you're reaction to something you percieve to be stressful. are you a negative person or would you say you're optimistic in general? People with a positive outlook on life generally cope better in stressful situations. I often find that just stepping back from a stressful situation, and distracting myself for a few minutes (eg. going outside for air) helps me compose myself and come back to tackle a situation better. sometimes it's all about your attitude.

 

And if you're still feeling tired after all this? Perhaps it's a medical thing you may need to have assessed, such as underactive thyroid or the like (NOT diagnosing, but these are things docs might check out) or depression.