Please kick my ass a bit today..

[juliahenry]

So I'm stressed about stuff that's beyond my control, everything from how my parents are doing to childcare to waiting on other people before I can move forward with a major project.

And I'm not coping super-well. I'm feeling too stressed and busy to run, and I'm being a little bit careless with food.

Please remind me of what working out and eating right will do for me. And if you have any good stress-management tips, those would be much appreciated too.

[Brit]

I'm sorry that you're having a rough time. I had some major stressors going on a few weeks ago and it really helped me to do some exercises to release tension. You can probably Google some. I went through like a five minute thing that I could do at my desk that included deep breathing, neck stretching, etc. I could literally feel the tension release from my head, neck, and shoulders. Might be worth a try.

[wambam]

Apr 26, 2013 9:57:07 GMT -5 Brit said:

I'm sorry that you're having a rough time. I had some major stressors going on a few weeks ago and it really helped me to do some exercises to release tension. You can probably Google some. I went through like a five minute thing that I could do at my desk that included deep breathing, neck stretching, etc. I could literally feel the tension release from my head, neck, and shoulders. Might be worth a try.

This. If I only have 30 seconds, I will take several deep, slow breaths and "meditate" on a word like calm, peace, etc. It sounds really hippy dippy but I think it works when I'm short on time.

[juliahenry]

Thanks. I'm going to try a 5 min walk and some stretching/breathing.

And then I'm going to make a list. Life is always better with a list, right?

[Brit]

Apr 26, 2013 10:08:03 GMT -5 juliahenry said:

Thanks. I'm going to try a 5 min walk and some stretching/breathing.

And then I'm going to make a list. Life is always better with a list, right?

Make sure that you load it with items that you can check off immediately or quickly!

[juliahenry]

Good point, brit! Item #1) make list. Sadly, I suspect #2 is "get off the interwebs and start doing stuff"

[Deleted]

Exercise always helps me deal with stress in a healthy way and then when I exercise, that keeps my diet in check as well. Start with little things - go for a quick walk or run. Just tell yourself you will get out there for TEN minutes. That usually gets me out the door and once I'm out there for ten minutes, I can make it through twenty and etc.

[shauni27]

I think Brit had some great advice. Breath, take a 5 minute walk, etc. I think if you can squeeze in some "you" time to exercise a few days a week (hell, even 1!) then you will find that you are calmer and happier (endorphins and all that) even if it is for like 20 minutes. Sorry you are going through so much right now, I am super stressed too :/