Stress reduction
On Thursday my massage therapist gave me the assignment of researching methods of reducing stress, and to pick a few to use. Along the way I found this page, which included a test to assess one's level of stress. 19 or over is considered "high". I scored 30.
Anyway, here's the list:
Keep doing these: Cat therapy -- especially Curio, who is an excellent villain's cat. cuddling -- I seem to be touch-dominant, and often forget that fact because it doesn't really fit my self-image. Do more: music -- I often forget how good music is for me. massage -- great when I can get it. play with stress toys (balls, putty, worry stones,...) -- this seemed like an easy one to add. Writing (journaling, poetry) -- My weekly "done" posts sort of count, I guess; the point is not to be writing about anything in particular but simply the act of writing. Hot baths -- a bath takes time, but it's very relaxing and helps me get to sleep, so I should take them more often. Add: breathing exercises -- this is an easy one to add whenever I think of it. Even doing just three or four deep breaths is remarkably relaxing. progressive relaxation -> bedtime? drink a cup of tea. (comes under the heading of calming rituals) positive self-talk affirmations? coping statements Stress card wallpaper! -- Some of my sources talked about making a card with positive self-talk on it. Screen wallpaper sounds like a better bet for me. Harder: -- most of these are hard because they require a solid block of time. DELEGATE (stress reduction) ... but this one is hard because it requires asking people to do stuff for me. meditation/mindfulness -- I've been trying the "mindfullness of doors" exercise on and off; mostly off because it's really hard to think of in the moment. Which is, of course, the point. Maybe I should count "the mindfulness of dishwashers". guided imagery -- ISTR I have a collection of mp3s from Kaiser that I could use for this. spending time in nature. Trails or parks. Bike riding. Tai chi / yoga -- this would require actually going out and joining a group. Not to mention finding the time. EEP! Very hard.
The common thread, I think, is that many of these are things I know are good for me / enjoyable / relaxing -- but I still don't take time to do them, or even think about doing them. That probably says something important, but I don't know what.
Advice? Discussion? The notes below were roughly in the order I found them -- the first few came off the top of my head, followed by various websites.
* (0219) spend 2 hours researching de-stress/relaxation techniques btw now and 0222 Su (on orders of my massage therapist ) * music * progressive relaxation * DELEGATE (stress *reduction*) : Stress our burnout? http://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/preventing-burnout.htm Not sure I entirely believe it; burnout sounds a lot like vanilla depression @ Stress Symptoms, Signs, & Causes: The Effects of Stress Overload and What You Can Do About It test: 19+ is high -- I scored 30. So... yeah. * breathing * meditation/mindfulness * Writing (journaling, poetry) * Cat therapy * Hot baths * Tai chi / yoga @ Stress management: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia @ Stress management - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia * guided imagery ISTR I have a collection of mp3s from Kaiser. * spending time in nature. Trails or parks. @ Stress Relievers: 25 Ways to Reduce Stress @ How to Relieve Stress (with Stress Relief Techniques) - wikiHow * drink a cup of tea. (comes under the heading of calming rituals) * cuddle * massage * positive self-talk affirmations? coping statements * stress balls @ Managing Stress - how to articles from wikiHow @ Using Coping Cards and Coping Statements to Improve Mental Health Better
And now I'm going to stop, post this, pet my cat, and make some ginger tea.
[Crossposted from mdlbear.dreamwidth.org, where it has
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