Stress? What stress?!?
What’s the best way you deal with stress?
How do you like to let loose to escape common stressors?
Share with us your favorite ways to shake off the stress. #shakeitoff
I’m an ostrich.
When my emotional reserves are low, my default is to hide. I shut down and stop talking to anyone. I avoid anything that might make the situation worse. That’s good when there is a true risk of making the problem worse. Sometimes stepping away is the best option. Although, for complex problems, eventually I have to pull my head out of the sand and deal with it.
What’s the source?
How I decompress depends a lot on the source of the stress.Is it health care stress, family stress, financial stress, social stress…? I do take a moment to reflect on what’s got me so stressed out. If it’s interpersonal, then talking it out with someone is a good idea. But I’m really careful about sharing healthcare stressors. Depending on the person, the conversation can actually add to the stress. A certainly, I’m not going to be talking about financial stress with anyone who can’t keep their mouth shut.
I have options.
I learned a long time ago that the key to avoiding burnout was to have a lot of options at my disposal. I resolved to always be able to answer the question, “What will you do if that doesn’t work?” Having a “next step” gives me a sense of control, even if my next move is to ask someone else for help. I try to think two or three moves ahead.
Top 10 stress-relievers
# 9 – Geneology research
# 8 – Coloring
# 7 – Chocolate
# 6 – Rocking grandbaby to sleep
# 5 – Movie marathon
# 4 – Hot showers
# 3 – Deep cleaning anything
# 2 – Shopping
# 1 – Loud music