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.
Managing Stress in Tough Times
Ella Linhart 03 Jul 2009, 20:39 |
| I am 57 with Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, extreme pain throughout my body. Have been pretty sucessful living on the happier side of life. My husband doesn't recognize my playfulness any more; he sees it as something ulgy instead. Our point of extreme stress: our son, 35, know it all, unemployed professional student abusing drugs to a greater extent than we ever new possible, in our home, mentally abusive, disrespectful of us, our home, our belongings; moved in over month ago. Our Home Sweet Home isn't! Chuck and I are medically disabled making the best of life until now. I rarely stop crying, while alone, Chuck rarely is relaxed due to stres, he snaps at me, yells at me, and says he's not. He loves me. I love him. Help any out there? |
Lydia 16 Jun 2009, 10:04 |
| I have had arthritis for 7 years now on top of everything else I just had a stroke, the stress level is way out of control, no income and I'm walking around with a walker. Does anybody have any advice to get my stress under control. |
SARAH 05 Apr 2009, 10:40 |
| Excellent advice, which I find really helpful. I don't always achieve it but I try. |
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.