[group question] How do you cope with stress?

March 30, 2003

I have been thinking about this a lot the last week or

so, pretty much since the war began, and a bit prior to

it as tensions in myself seemed to rise over it. I know

it can be a common human response to regress into

negative activities as a way of coping with stress, such

as overeating, sleeping too much, quick anger reactions,

etc.

I was wondering if others here were conscious or seeing

any of this manifest in their lives, and if so, what things

do you do in efforts to take more positive steps toward

finding your inner balance and harmony?

Here are a few things I am doing that seem to help me

deal more positively with the stress:

1. Avoiding sweets and drinking calming herbal teas

instead when I notice a craving.

2. Getting needed rest, but also getting fresh air and

excersize. Taking my dogs out for merry walks, working

in my garden beds and prepping them for the spring

plantings and just going to bed on time whether my body

feels tired or not.

3. Avoiding the repetitive news reporting of the war. I find

watching or listening to the events unfold and get rehashed

can stress me out. It is also something I have observed in

others around me. It has a draining quality and is also

addictive in a way. Instead I watch pleasant things, listen to

calming music, dance, light candles for peace and try to

focus on positive things; the beauty around me in a simple

moment...

I hope everyone is coping well and finding tasks that are helpful.

Please take a moment if you can to share one thing you do

consciously toward your inner peace. Perhaps it will give

encouragement or an idea to another. Namaste.

~ PT ~

To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather

than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy,

not respectable, and wealthy,not rich; to listen to stars and

birds, babes and sages, with open heart; to study hard; to think

quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never;

in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious,

grow up through the common-- this is my symphony.

~William Henry Channing, clergyman, reformer (1810-1884)

March 30, 2003

I find your third item the most instructive and believe that we become the

product of our dominate thought(s). This single concept is the basis for

obsessive, manic, and paranoid behavior. Unknowingly, many people are

caught in this slippery psychological trap.

Here's a couple of ways to avoid it. As PT suggests, avoid the constant

barrage of " war news. " There is specific intention in making the

presentation that particular way.

Find at least two other aspects of your life that evokes positive images.

Spend time developing mind scripts to promote those images as a form of

daydreaming. When the stresses of negativity around get too big then visit

one of your daydreams. With a little practice, you'll probably be able to

change those bad feelings within seconds.

Also, if you're feeling the crunch of negativity, avoid even the positive

news on the same subject that stresses you. I am one of only a few who did

not turn their TV on during the first anniversary of the 911 attack. I had

put those feelings behind me and a recollection of them so soon was more

than I wanted to face.

I hope this helps.

Dave

~ P_T ~ [patchouli_troll]

3. Avoiding the repetitive news reporting of the war. I find

watching or listening to the events unfold and get rehashed

can stress me out. It is also something I have observed in

others around me. It has a draining quality and is also

addictive in a way. Instead I watch pleasant things, listen to calming

music, dance, light candles for peace and try to focus on positive things;

the beauty around me in a simple moment...

March 30, 2003

Expression!!! I believe that sometimes it's just good to get it out. Sure

talking to friends or significant others helps, but many times they try to

" fix " what's on your mind as oppose to just listening. As well, there are

times when we are troubled by things which perhaps we don't want to share

with the people we know or care about.

Grab a writing utensil and a piece of paper and let all your concerns flow

from you heart and head down through your arm, to your hand, through the pen

right onto the paper. It can be a nice release without anyone judging you.

I pretty much try and develop myself every chance I get to make sure that I

am not stressing any particular matter, however when the time comes, this

helps for me. I tried writing it out on a whim when I was (and everyone

else) having troubles coping with my emotionally-challenged (very quick

tempered and judging) boss. I was feeling it from everyone who decided to

complain about her to me. Anywho, even though the problem still existed, it

was very relieving just to write it down and get it out. Don't bottle it

up, the only thing that is nicely aged and bottled up is a good wine.

On perhaps another note, though I feel it helps and applies here is to

remember your " Random acts of Kindness " . This reminds me of J.C. You don't

necessarily have to go build someone a house to put a surprising smile on

someones face. Open doors for others, give someone a smile...ya know the

little things. I had a neighbor move in next door during the Holidays last

year and as he was walking down the steps, I was walking up and expressed to

him " happy holidays " ...with a surprising tone and big smile he replied " oh

wow thanks " (this complex isn't one of those Beaver Cleaver nicey

neighborhoods, though nice). Maybe most do these things and perhaps I am

the exception but I just try to remember not to take things for granted.

That's just my humbled opinion.