How do you manage your stress/anxiety?

[hamster]

Work is a giant clusterfuck, and as a result I have a lot of anxiety and stress lately. I've been drinking it off, but that's not really a sustainable solution and isn't an option for during working hours.

I do ok once I've been home for a while, but it's the 9 hours I'm at work that are slowly killing me. I try to leave during lunch to get out of the element, but that's not really enough. I'm also looking for jobs, but that's not helping the immediate.

Anybody have any great suggestions?

[Deleted]

Agree with Charky, I work out daily and that is HUGE for my stress. I also have a VERY pressure-filled role and during the day, I ensure that I actually block time on my calendar (I try for at least an hour a day) for work time (no calls, meetings, etc) - this helps me actually get work done.

Good luck, hamster.

I have been there with drinking a bit more than I should and it only ended up with me putting on more LBS, so I cut back to 1 wine an evening M-F.

[y4m]

Aside from working out and drinking, which are also methods I use, I've been getting into hypnosis downloads from iTunes and other websites. It forces me to take 20-30 minutes out, sit quietly, and relax. And I feel great after. Maybe one about coping with anxiety and stress could help you?

[Kore]

I'm medicated. And I like to drink.

I need to start exercising & meditating. Those help me tremendously when I can force myself to put the distractions down.

[raangoli]

I agree with the working out, but there are other things that I tend to turn to get me through the day. First, do you have a good work friend you can chat to every so often? Just to talk about anything other than work. How about listening to music? Or even just talking a walk around the building every so often seems to help me.

[noodleoo]

Exercise definitely helps. I find that my whole body feels better after a good aerobic workout. I also recently took a yoga class and it was also excellent for relaxing.

Another idea during the workday: take a few minutes to meditate and breathe. I found an article that had a few different breathing exercises in it. It is amazing how well it works. I forget most of them, but basically just close my eyes and relax, breathe in through the nose for a count of like 4 to 8 (slow as you can), hold for 4, then breathe out through your mouth as slowly as possible. Repeat a few times. It makes me relax pretty instantly.

ETA: stretch breaks also help. In my old job, I'd go outside for a quick walk and stretch on the steps. Big muscles like legs, shoulders, back. A 10 min break like that is pretty refreshing. I also second taking a break with a friend. Before my work friend was laid off, we'd go for 15 min walks in the afternoon. The combination of exercise, mental break and companionship really helped (plus some work venting to each other!).

[hamster]

I did go for a walk last night, and I noticed a pretty immediate improvement. I might try and do that during lunch if it's not raining.

I do have a good work friend, but unfortunately it's so hard to talk about anything BUT work. We all have the same coping mechanisms (humor) so that's a plus.

I do think part of my stress is that I'm essentially doing three different jobs, but don't feel like I'm getting accomplished because everything else going on is so consuming.

[genet313]

Read GBCN!! Put a little levity in your life, on a daily basis.

And I second working out. The stress just melts away, and I have more energy during the day to deal with the stresses. Even just 30 minutes helps.

[Deleted]

Drinking was my go-to, as well as ridicukous amounts of bulk candy. While I was pregnant and not Drinking, the stress took a toll.

Exercise, limiting myself to 1 Adult Beverage a night and leavin the office for a walk around the neighborhood at lunch each day helps.

But sometimes that Adhly beverage is whiskey.

[Deleted]

Yoga and meditation have done miracles in my life. I am finally getting to a point where I can slip into a calm and happy place at will (usually) and it is so helpful for dealing with stress.

When I'm not pregnant I drink too.

[lys]

cardio, cardio, cardio and cleaning my house til it sparkles!

Stay away from the booze.

[Some Funny Name]

Meditation and exercise.

Sometimes really angry music and vigorous exercise.

[kellbell191]

I'm on meds and I see a therapist. One of her big suggestions was to journal and when I'm having an anxious moment to write about it. More than I am stressed because so and so is an asshole, but to really get behind the feelings.

In my personal life, its cleaning and exercise. I've been doing better since I stopped drinking as much.

My office is a giant cluster of disorganization and people who believe poor planning on their part is an emergency on my part. I try and do deep breathing when there is a crisis, not feel responsible for fixing everything or taking care of everything, and plan my own stuff as much as possible.

[aliciar6]

Dec 4, 2012 11:30:17 GMT -5 @charky said:

Running in the morning before work.

I know it's not for everyone, but I notice a huge difference in my mood and stress level during the day.

this or boxing. I used to go on the weekends and I'd punch every bit of frustration out of me. some times i could make it before or after work depending on my schedule and my trainers.

if it gets too bad, see your doctor. sometimes a small dose of an anti-anxiety med does wonders. this helped me when i was going crazy prior to deployment.

[hamster]

Dec 4, 2012 13:43:57 GMT -5 aliciar6 said:

if it gets too bad, see your doctor. sometimes a small dose of an anti-anxiety med does wonders. this helped me when i was going crazy prior to deployment.

So far I'm managing enough that I don't feel like I need meds. I'm hoping some stuff will be resolved soon, or I find a new job.

Thanks for all your responses. Today is going ok so far, but it's only 11...

[barefootcontessa]

sex and exercise. also, trying to plan ahead as far as possible.

[hamster]

Dec 4, 2012 13:55:45 GMT -5 barefootcontessa said:

sex and exercise. also, trying to plan ahead as far as possible.

Unfortunately, it's so unclear what the future holds right now that this is nearly impossible. It's also the biggest source of my anxiety.

[RoxMonster]

Working out, reading a good book, getting a massage (not a daily thing but maybe every other month), getting out of the house with H to take a walk or see a movie, etc. all help relieve stress for me.