Stress management.... HELP!!!

Ok, I really really need some help. I have just been feeling so tense lately, it's making me sick. I usually get stressed around the end of the semester, but not the middle!! I don't have any immediate stress (no big papers due soon, no exams, etc.) but I am still constantly stressed.

I already get some exercise by walking to school every day (although the cold is really taking the fun out of it!), I sleep a good 7-8 hours every night, eat... huh... relatively well. (ok, I've been neglecting that a bit)

What else can I do??
I tried to meditate every day, which has helped a bit, but not as much as it usually would (too stressed to meditate properly). Maybe I need something simpler.

Ideas?

I thought of going to the gym, but I don't know if I would really go or if my money would be wasted. Problem is, I feel like whenever I'm not doing school work, I'm wasting time. Somebody needs to beat it into my head that I need to take care of myself too.

Help!!

One thing I find when I am getting stressed out, is to return to a basic constant. I focus on my breathing. Using a technique I saw in a movie, ok karate kid, you breathe in slowly counting to 10 through your nose, then exhale slowly counting to 10 through your mouth. Repeat this numerous times till you feel better and can think rationally again.

If that does not work, I go outside and have a good scream, then I feel better, lol.

hope it helps

How about a bubble bath? Or just taking a walk. Do something you like that you find relaxing and just for you.

Have you ever tried listening to a relaxation tape? My dad has one that I used to borrow and it really helped me. The one I used had a narrator using imagery (like describing a walk on the beach), but you could also just look for a CD with nature sounds (ocean, etc).

I listen to a tape that has purring cats on it. Am I strange?? It's so soothing.

Do something that makes you happy!

And btw, you have the same birthday as my Mom who recently passed so maybe she can help you out.
I know she would if she can.


Just do something totally out of character and release some of that!

O.K. this is going to sound dumb, but whenever I don't know how to handle something, I sit down with a piece of paper and a pen and I write. I make a list of all the things bothering me. Or, I make of list of what I want or need. Or what would make me happy. Or the things that stress me out. I have to write it down, though, not just think it.

Somehow, seeing it written on paper makes it clearer. It's kind of like the lazy person's journal, but it can bring out stuff you didn't realize was even there. Once I have things listed, I can tackle them. I hope you try this and I hope it helps. Good luck!

I've been really stressed this week. I curled into a ball on my bed with 3 of the kits....even though they weren't all thrilled with the idea. I just layed there curled up until I felt less like the world was out to get me. I know the feeling...right now shouldn't be stressful being mid-semester, but somehow the stress is just terrible!

I watch loads of TV. It sounds ridiculous, but I'll pick stuff that's really easy to watch and funny (scrubs) or scary (masters of horror) and just zone out for a few hours--I guess it's like meditating, but with noise.

Then when I feel relaxed, I like to think about what's bothering me and what I can do to fix it and I usually tackle the problem.

Originally Posted by Fats McGee

I watch loads of TV. It sounds ridiculous, but I'll pick stuff that's really easy to watch and funny (scrubs) or scary (masters of horror) and just zone out for a few hours--I guess it's like meditating, but with noise.

Then when I feel relaxed, I like to think about what's bothering me and what I can do to fix it and I usually tackle the problem.

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that's what i do too- i really like commedies/dramas/ for that reason because it's just distracting and gets my mind off of what is stressing me out even if it's only for a bit.

Thanks everyone. I'll try to make time during the day to stop and breathe.

Instead of a relaxation tape, I'll see if I can find some guided meditation tape. I've been having difficulty meditating without guiding... maybe that will help. I think it will work sort of like relaxation tapes, but hopefully it will help with my concentration too.

I also think I'll get a membership at the university's gym. I'm sure breaking some of my days with sone exercise and a shower will help.

But I'm not sure if I'll have time today... I need to write that last research proposal before tonight and I haven't even started

Do you spend most of your time at home doing schoolwork vs doing in at school??
Perhaps you are then associating being at home = doing homework vs compartmentalizing that the homework canbe done at school and home is for doing fun things??? (I hope this makes sense!)
Are you eating alot of sugar and junk food currently-that can effect how you feel too.

Originally Posted by GailC

Are you eating alot of sugar and junk food currently-that can effect how you feel too.

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yeah and lots of caffeine just makes you more wired..........

I do school work both at home and at school. I really can't afford to do it only at school... there's too much to do, and I can't go to school every day.

I have been eating more sugar than usual, but not that much. I try to keep eating normally, but sugar is a comfort food... it's hard to resist these days.
But I'll try to be careful... right after I finish my french toasts for breakfast

I don't drink coffee (yet! ) but I drink lots of tea. I've been cutting down lately though.

Can you set up a schedule when you are at home -say from 8-9 I'm working on this 9-10 working on this etc... and schedule a lunch hour and "breaktime " to.
Then set a time towards the end of the afternoon/early evening and then no more schoolwork??? And depending if you are a morning or evening person do are most difficult tasks when you are at your best.

Originally Posted by GailC

Can you set up a schedule when you are at home -say from 8-9 I'm working on this 9-10 working on this etc... and schedule a lunch hour and "breaktime " to.
Then set a time towards the end of the afternoon/early evening and then no more schoolwork??? And depending if you are a morning or evening person do are most difficult tasks when you are at your best.

Click to expand...

That's a good idea. I'll have to start scheduling "down" time so I don't feel so much like the work never ends.