“Stress” is something that is talked about so much that I dread even bringing it up, in fear of losing readers to boredom in fear of yet another blurb about the importance of “taking it easy.”
However, a few weeks ago I got shingles (likely due to my continuing issues of not being able to freakin’ relax about my health, school, work, etc.) Now shingles is no bag of fun here, and I’m about ready to try ANYTHING that keeps me from getting stressed out and having my health fall apart over and over again, so here is my plan of attack, along with a PLEA FOR HELP FROM YOU GUYS!!
Meri’s Emergency Stress Relief Plan:
-Getting into bed earlier (I love to read before bed so this is going pretty well)
-Taking tap dancing community ed classes with a pal (pretty fun so far)
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-Practicing mindfulness when I’m at work or running around (redirecting my thoughts to what is happening around me in the environment instead of the constant stream of hypochondria running through my head on repeat).
-Meditation (a step beyond the mindfulness to include a more traditional approach with eyes closed, steady breathing, and either a mantra or just counting breaths).
-Music! (my latest favorite is Jacques Dutronc, a french singer from the 60s. Check out “Et moi et moi et moi” to see what I’m talking about).
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-Positivity! (every time the boyfriend or I start to get down, I try to redirect the thought to think of the best thing that is going on or the bright side. This is kind of hard lately but I’m working on it).
-Family and friends! I sure would have lost my mind by now without the cheer from people who love me and bring me joy.
-Professional help! I will be seeing the homeopath I have been waiting MONTHS to see next week, and I can’t wait.
Oh, and in regards to the shingles, I have been taking lysine (an amino acid), drinking kombucha green tea, and taking extra vitamin C, however I think either one of those or the anti-viral meds I was taking have made me break out slightly in the face? Anyone have any ideas about why?
What are your ideas for stress relief? Have you had shingles? What do you do to keep yourself balanced and to keep anxiety under control?
Meri
Sorry to hear you got the shingles. That sounds like it’s no fun at all. I think you have an awesome list. I get stressed out some too, so I’ll be taking some of these pointers!
P.S. the book blog is up!!! thewhiteunicornfiction.blogspot.com
Awesome I’ll have to check it out!
I know for a fact that the aerobic dancing class I took for 10-15 years 3 times per week saved my sanity as well as helped me stay physically fit! I also like yoga and slowing down to be in the moment and I do that better now that I’m retired and “old”! I think you have a great list and it will help. Also, just trying to BELIEVE that you are well and healthy helps reduce stress I think. Now, the hard work is doing that! Good luck honey!
oh yes, any movement definitely helps me! I guess I get that from you!
sorry to hear you haven’t been feeling 100%. stress really does numbers on your body. yesterday i was totally cursing out this car that was tailing me and honking at me when all i was trying to do was pull over for an ambulance (i think he finally realized that after i might have giving him the bird, oops, lol!) anyways, i could totally FEEL how elevated my blood pressure was and how amped up my body was for a long time after…and i thought this couldn’t be good for me. so i told myself that i’d try to just chill…
do you like animals? if you are near a humane society or have friends with dogs….you should visit with the animals.
i like to turn up my music and sing in the car!
oh man, the way people drive is in my top 3 stressors, which is why it is a good thing I walk to work and don’t have to deal with it every day!
You poor thing! I’m very glad you are going to see a homeopath. Also, have you been taking probiotics (i.e. acidophilus) ? Those are crucial and helpful no matter what you have. Sounds like you are on the right track otherwise.
I have been taking probiotics but I never know if its the right ones/ good ones or not? its so complicated!
Shingles?! that totally sucks, I hope you get that sorted out soon. so last night i tried going to bed earlier at like 9:30, it worked, except i woke up at 3 and couldn’t go back to bed, ugh still stressed!!
haha, and then it throws your whole sleep schedule off. Hope you get some rest!
Oh no! Shingles does not sound like a good time compared to the other stress relievers, like tap dancing, you have on your list! I know stress can be hard to combat but I hope you can take it easy and relax! Easier said than done, but it’s worth trying.
thanks- i’m feeling better the last few days already
I’m so sorry you got Shingles! My favorite form of stress relief is definitely cooking/baking, when I cook i don’t seem to think about much else
I don’t like baking but I DO love chopping food and cooking! good tip!
So sorry about the shingles…that doesn’t sound fun at all.
I hope you feel better soon. For stress relief, I walk. A lot. It helps that I have a dog, because if I’m honest, I probably wouldn’t walk in the winter if I didn’t. But walking every day is my own form of meditation. I’m not very good at being still, so sitting meditation isn’t quite in my grasp yet, but I enjoy walking meditation.
I think part of my meditation routine is definitely going to include moving meditation of some kind, I’m not a sit still type of gal!
I guess you would know by now my stress relief is cooking
Oh no. Not shingles! So sorry you’ve had a such a painful go of it. One of my best (only?) tips for reducing stress is to write down everything down that’s stressing me out. Something about transferring everything that’s pinging around in my brain onto paper really helps me calm down and see things for what they are. There are often big difference between reality and what my stressed out brain thinks is true!