Managing stress in these tough times can be a challenge. Turning off the TV will help you avoid being bombarded with upsetting news, but invariably you’ll get wind of something that troubles you – from economic reports to relationship challenges. Three stress experts offer the following tips on how to cope.
The expert:
Wendy Hurwitz, MD, a mind/body and energy medicine expert in New York City who provides personal consultation lectures and workshops across the country
The advice:
1. Detox your diet. Eliminate what does not nourish you. Sometimes what we turn to in times of stress, such as alcohol, tobacco or sweets, actually impairs our ability to cope.
2. Conserve your resources. This applies not only to money, but also to time and energy. Focus on what you have and what you can do with it.
The expert:
Loretta LaRoche, a stress-management author, speaker and adjunct professor at the Mind/Body Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston who specializes in the use of humor
The advice:
1. Live in the moment. You’ll want to avoid the Chicken Little syndrome, mistakenly believing that the sky is falling. Chances are, you’re not headed for ruin, so focus on what’s real – and positive – right now.
2. Be more fun. Don’t wait for enjoyment to come to you. Make a conscious choice to bring laughter and camaraderie into your life. Invite a few friends over, no matter how messy you think your house is, or have dinner out with friends, no matter how much you feel like staying home and sulking.
The expert:
Nisha Manek, MD, a rheumatologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
The advice:
1. Breathe deeply. Concentrate on making each breath slow and measured. Most people who are stressed have erratic breathing, and deep breathing causes you to feel more relaxed.
2. Go with the feeling. Pay close attention to the unpleasant sensation in your gut – sometimes described as “butterflies” or “a sinking feeling.” As you focus on the discomfort, remind yourself that the situation is temporary, and you may find that the feeling goes away.
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sorry to hear that things are not so good for you please try Ukfibromyalgia forums they help me so much and there is usually lots of people who will reply and understand your pain. Then you wont feel so alone hope you sign up xx
I am so glad to read your comments and good advice. I'm a senior and was just dx with RA a few months ago. My husband is ill and depends on me a lot. He has Alzheimers and his illness causes stress for him and me.We are blessed that he is still able to be up and even help me with some things. I will admit somedays it is like I have a stranger in the house. I have been looking and reading everything I can find on handling stress. The RA has really knocked me for a loop. I have always been able to keep biting the bullet and moving on. That doesn't work with RA. I do want to share something that I remember hearing somewhere that helps me when I am about in tears. Act like a puppy, if you can't play with it or eat it. Just walk away and take a nap. It makes me chuckle and I may not nap but I do leave it and lay down to rest. I know it sounds sort of silly. But, we do need anything to make us smile and laugh. I hope this helps someone alittle.
Please remember you are still you not the illness. Don't allow it to control you.
My prayers are with all of you kind, lovely people.
Mary in Texas July 2,2010- Saturday a.m.
You are indeed doing a great job
You can't change your son, he has to do the changing. If it means he has to live on the streets for awhile then maybe that will make him want to change (been there done that with one of my sons). Yelling & crying only gives them an excuse to keep drugging. You have to take care of yourself. Go to an Al-Anon group. They can't help you change your son, but they'll guide you to change yourself by....not being an enabler, not to allow youself to be used or abused, not to prevent a crisis if it is in the natural course of events, to get off that Merry-go-round called denial, etc. (alcohol/drugs can make them nasty so don't take it personal.)
My other son, 28 years old,has rheumatoid arthritis and I see how stress affects his pain levels. So get rid of that stress! Live your life and let your son live his, no matter what it is.
I don't always achieve it but I try.
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