Need Ideas for Fighting Stress

[StitchesGr8Fan]

I'm a mess right now. DFH and I are jumping through hoops trying to close on a house on Wednesday. Work is going crazy because we had to push our system launch off a month. My mom keeps getting sick and I have to take care of her because my dad gets flustered when she's sick. We are planning our wedding which is in 11 months. And I miss my fur baby who died unexpectedly 3 weeks ago.

My hives are getting worse, my hair seems to be shedding more than usual. I shake all the time and now my panic attacks have come back. Other than medication, what are your ideas for fighting stress? Meditation? Chamomile tea? I need ideas because I need to keep it together for a few more weeks. Hopefully then I will get a break from the stress and will get time to recharge. All I want to do is cry.

 

[mommasita]

That seems to be a lot going on at the same time.

I have small things I do. I love water, and live near it, personally I love to go and just sit (ALONE) and stare and think. Then I slowly realize that no matter how much I panic, everything works out, it just does. One by one boulders seem to be lifted from my shoulders.

I know this is easier said than done, but it is what helps me out.

Thinking of you and offering

 

[quasar4legs]

Sorry that so many things are difficult for you at the moment and I am so sorry about your furbaby

I agree with Mommasita, try to take time to do something that makes you feel calm and happy.

My hubby meditates and he loves to workout at the gym in the mornings before work. Another thing that he does is to make lists so that everytime he can cross off something he has a sense of being in control and that he is moving forward.

I like to bake and my kitchen is my 'happy place' so that works for me. Sometimes I jump into the bath with an apple and a good book and spend an hour lost in the bubbles.

Even if you don't have a lot of time even taking a few minutes to do something for you can make a difference. Maybe watch a funny movie, listen to some music, get a massage anything that will make you feel better.

Hope you are feeling better soon, if you lived near me I would bake you some cookies and we could sit in the sun and relax.

Take care
Quasar

 

[diznee25]

My therapist has recommended similar things to me; the goal is to distract yourself from the things that are stressing you out. Do whatever you need to to clear your mind of these things.

Myself, I like to read, bake, play with my dogs, meditate, take baths. Heck, my therapist even suggested just watching a movie, or taking a walk.

So anything you enjoy, try those things.

diznee25

 

[Christine]

I will tell you--the best thing to beat the adverse of stress is fairly strenuous exercise.

When you have high stress, high anxiety, it releases chemicals into the body that give all of those bad physical side effect. Going out for a slow jog or (if you're in shape) something harder, combats those stress chemicals in the body. While deep breathing and all that type of stuff can be calming, nothing gets rid of the physical stress symptoms better than some decent cardio. And this is coming from a lifelong couch potato!!

I have struggled most of my life with anxiety issues and I am TONS better when I make some effort to be physical. The effects don't happen with the first workout but I definitely see improvement within a week.

It's hard to do, I won't kid you. Especially when you have a lot on your plate. But try to set aside 30 minutes and, after a quick warmup, push yourself a bit.

 

[Schmeck]

I second the exercise, and being outside for fresh air and sunlight! I get hives too, and migraines, and eczema, from stress.

Another thing that helps me, especially when I get to the panic attack stage, is to talk about my stress. Posting online, telling a friend, my husband, or even talking out loud while driving somewhere helps. Write it down on paper and put it aside.

The only thing that doesn't work for me is to tell my mom about it - she just blames me for whatever it is that is stressful, and makes me feel worse. She's got such a talent for blaming me for everything!

 

[Neeny17]

I run. Its great when you're stressed because you can forget everything except for what you're doing. It helped me immensely when I was doing my A levels. Also, I find listening to music helps.