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Here's to Your Health:  Taking Stress Seriously  |
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FieldsofThyme
Farmgirl Guide & Schoolmarm / Chapter Leader
4928 Posts
USA
4928 Posts |
 Posted - May 18 2012 : 04:35:15 AM
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Our health insurance requires us to participate in an on-line health activity all year long. Yesterday I had to watch an on-line, 1 hour (yes I was upset I had to take time to do this, but read on), webinar.
The topic was "stress managment."
I have always joked about it, but I'm thinking more seriously on this now. The kids don't do their dishes and then I'm backed up the next day, all "stressed" out over not having time to get my own chores done. Lately, I've just done them and not said a word. I've found that even talking about their lack of work "stresses" me out.
Anyway, I have a print out work sheet to do, need to order books from the library and so forth.
I don't like self-help books too much, other than Christian living books. The program stated that reading books on stress helps, so I'm ordering a few to look over.
The program also gave tips on taking time for myself (we've all heard it but do we do it?) and also identifying what causes our stress.
I'm taking this more seriously, as stress can cause other ailments and I want my body to be very healthy. I may start yoga.
Anyone else what to join in on fighting off stress?
As for the kids, I am working up a new dish chore chart. It will have one kid per night vs. all the kids taking part. This way, when one works, the others can do the dishes. I'm putting the older two on nights that I know they will be home. It's a start anyway.
So....what stresses you out?
Farmgirl #800
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rphelps4
True Blue Farmgirl
620 Posts
roxanna
westport
indiana
USA
620 Posts |
Posted - May 18 2012 : 05:52:23 AM
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| I get stressed out about not having enough time to do all the work it takes to keep all the outside work done in the summer, plus I have had melanoma twice, so I can't be outside in the sun, I work as LPN full time in a nursing home. Being single it is all up to me. I can't afford to hire it done because there is so much yard. Roxanna |
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pennyhenny
True Blue Farmgirl
304 Posts
Missy
Dayton
OH
USA
304 Posts |
Posted - May 18 2012 : 10:16:07 AM
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Oh Kristina you and I have a connection. Ever since I became very ill last summer I have pledged and continue to fight off STRESS!!! My doctor has repeatedly told me to reduce stress to help make me healthier.
Many health problems are caused or exacerbated by stress, including:
Pain of any kind
Heart disease
Digestive problems
Sleep problems
Depression
Obesity
Autoimmune diseases
Skin conditions, such as eczema
I have a NO STRESS house. Seriously even my mother wants to live with us because DH and I leave the drama of life at the front door. We live in our own little bubble of happiness. Yes of course we have issues like money and health problems but we carve out a certain amount of time to sit down and discuss how and when we can help the issues at hand. So many times we would sweep the problems under the rug and the problems would only get bigger. I think positively and refuse to gossip,moan or groan about anyone. Instead I pray for guidance and those that I can't help.
Stress really is a silent killer and steps do need to be taken to gain control of our lives and our families. I enjoy Yoga, walking, cross stitching, painting and even look forward to housework because I look at it as a blessing to have a home to clean. I see so much clearer now how things I stressed about in the past like grocery shopping or paying bills are really blessings. How blessed we are to have money to shop for the food of our choice....how blessed we are to pay for the utilities we use to have heat-water and internet...how blessed we are to have so many things so many of us don't.
I admit it's not always easy to see things as a blessing but I've come a long way in my thinking since late summer.
My life is a work in progress but I'm glad for the work.
hugs,
-missy-
http://citychickblogging.blogspot.com/
Sisterhood Member#4003
Happiness held is the seed; Happiness shared is the flower.
John Harrigan |
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pnickols
True Blue Farmgirl
808 Posts
Patricia
Parma
Ohio
808 Posts |
Posted - May 19 2012 : 3:45:36 PM
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| lately I feel stressed all the time,now have high blood pressure to deal with |
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rphelps4
True Blue Farmgirl
620 Posts
roxanna
westport
indiana
USA
620 Posts |
Posted - May 19 2012 : 6:34:49 PM
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| Pat I have a friend you has some big stress in her life also, she was told to start a GOD box and write down what is causing you stress, put it in the box and turn it over to him and let it go, she has found great comfort in doing that. I know things are very difficult for you and your family right now, you just have to keep the faith, everything will work out, keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Roxanna |
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FieldsofThyme
Farmgirl Guide & Schoolmarm / Chapter Leader
4928 Posts
USA
4928 Posts |
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pnickols
True Blue Farmgirl
808 Posts
Patricia
Parma
Ohio
808 Posts |
Posted - May 20 2012 : 11:03:28 AM
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| Roxanna, that brought a few tears, I think that is good idea, I am trying not to go to crazy but we ladies do worry more than our men. I feel responsible for everyone. I'dl iek to lay some of this down and feel some peace |
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Breanna
True Blue Farmgirl
208 Posts
Breanna
Parker
Colorado
USA
208 Posts |
Posted - May 21 2012 : 12:37:43 PM
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Dear ladies, thanks so much for sharing! I struggle with stress often, and I am only 18 years old and don't have a whole lot to be stressed about. But being with people stresses me out, and I teach horse lessons throughout the week. I feel like people are looking to me to make sure their kids are learning, and that I am a good teacher, and that I can perform the way they want. I worry often about what people think of me. I also worry about college, I am studying to test out of some credits, but my plan is still not completely concrete. I wake up in the mornings gasping for air, stressed out, and worried about any little thing my mind finds to torment me with.
Roxanna, I read your advice about giving it to God. I often do this in prayer but I have not written it down. Well, I just did, and let me tell you, I feel so much better! I'm giving it all to Him, every day, for the rest of my life. He says not to worry, because he has a plan for me, and so I won't.
May he make us obedient to His will and trustful in his love,
Farmgirl Bre
"By day the Lord directs His love, at night His song is with me- a prayer to the God of my life." Ps. 42:8 |
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2012 : 03:57:53 AM
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I have less stress from exercising more- even if it's just a quick walk
For the dishes part.....in the summer, I HATE being stuck in the kitchen, so it's all throwaway. Not too "green". But my personal health and well being is more important. So after meals, we toss our stuff and head back outside. Simple. |
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Jeanna
True Blue Farmgirl
267 Posts
Jeanna
Franklin
NC
USA
267 Posts |
Posted - May 23 2012 : 06:27:17 AM
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I have found listening to relaxation cds and meditation helps me with stress. Of course my life has not been near a stressful over the past 6-8 months as it was for about 2 years before that. But that is a major story all in its self.
Jeanna
Farmgirl Sister #41
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.
Henry David Thoreau |
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SpyChicken
True Blue Farmgirl
436 Posts
Christine
Fond du Lac
WI
USA
436 Posts |
Posted - May 24 2012 : 09:42:40 AM
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| I'm really trying to get to where you are, Missy!! I find myself stressed for a lot of the reasons already mentioned here, but I am working on trying to realize that in the big picture, most of the stuff I'm stressed about is not major and that helps. I also try to do things that make me happy to reduce those stressful feelings that creep up. I'd love to know how you got to the place where you are now (the ability to leave the stress at your front door!). |
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Madelena
True Blue Farmgirl
1919 Posts
Mary
Central
TX
USA
1919 Posts |
Posted - Jun 01 2012 : 7:32:22 PM
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I know that YOGA and EXERCISE ARE GREAT for stress.. and need to get back to them also.
I struggle with stress too. And of course I internalize it which is worse. I just can't see "letting off steam"... I guess I would feel embarassed.. But shoving the stress back in is much worse!
I even feel stress when I am putting on some make up to run to the store. It feels like a time pressure/ event pressure stress thing to me . (I haven't figured out where that originated from yet.)
I am one of those people who collect too much stuff {my treasures, I call them) to use for all of my varied crafts. But I find that I am so overwhelmed with the STUFF that I have trouble getting started on the fun activities. Go figure.
When I moved back to Texas 20 years ago, I had a small sub-compact car. My crafts and mementos in the back seat, and my books and clothes in the little trunk -- and the precious Basset Hound in the passenger seat. I borrowed a bed and couch from my girl friend. Put my small tv on a box, and had a tall glass and brass knick-knack shelf in front of the picture window in my apartment. It was blissfully PLAIN.. .I would come home after a really crazy, stressful day at work and just sit there and feel.. At Peace.
Now I live in clutter and I am too busy being busy. I can't find anything. I spend 30 % of my day looking for stuff I moved somewhere ??? (It's my current exercise program . LOL)
I have read that a "cluttered" life can be too stressful. (music that is too loud, rooms that are too junky, lives that are too filled with "have tos" -- personal expectations that are too demanding, etc.)
What do you all think.. Will decluttering help with SOME of the de-stressing ?
I would love to hear more ideas.. I think I will try the Note to God Box.
And Missy.. Love your way of thinking.. Truly.. How did you get to that point??
Mary
FG Sister 3153 |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jun 03 2012 : 4:24:37 PM
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I have had more stress in the last six months then I think in the last 20 years and today I just said ENOUGH - Change has to happen or I wont be on the planet. So I thank you all for your wonderful ways of dealing with your stress and I will be putting many of them to use. Thanks again ladies - you are my blessing for today..
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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prariehawk
True Blue Farmgirl
2914 Posts
Cindy
2914 Posts |
Posted - Jun 04 2012 : 12:40:31 AM
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One of my stress-busters is something I'm going to do tonight. I know a group of people who like to go on a full moon hike every month (or twice a month, in some cases). It's so peaceful to get out in the woods and observe how trees look under the light of the moon. and since we're away from streetlights, you realize how bright the moon really is. It's just very peaceful.
Grace--I'm sorry you are having so much stress in your life. I wish you could go on our hike.
Cindy
"Vast floods can't quench love, no matter what love did/ Rivers can't drown love, no matter where love's hid"--Sinead O'Connor
"In many ways, you don't just live in the country, it lives inside you"--Ellen Eilers
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
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FieldsofThyme
Farmgirl Guide & Schoolmarm / Chapter Leader
4928 Posts
USA
4928 Posts |
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countrymommy85
True Blue Farmgirl
898 Posts
Krystle
MT
USA
898 Posts |
Posted - Jun 06 2012 : 07:40:16 AM
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I had been struggling with handling my stress load but last month I received a good email from my cousin about it and she really put things into perspective for me. In my case the women in my family haven't handled stress well and that is passed on down as a learned behavior. I don't want to pass that on down to my daughters so it needs to stop with me and it needs to stop now. So the day I got that email I decided I had enough of being a "bundle of nerves". I haven't had an issue since (despite the actual stress level going up) I handled it a lot better even despite the serious lack of sleep. Sure, I get really cranky with such a lack of sleep but I'm not a bundle of nerves anymore. When I was pregnant I did yoga and that helped a TON. Now though with my lack of sleep it just adds to my exhaustion instead of reviving me (yeah, I'm going to get into the doctor on that). When I start to think negative I just remember that "Today, I choose joy". I just remind myself of that and I look for just one good thing. Well, there isn't just one good thing there is always a ton and once I find one good thing I am flooded with all the good, positive things in my life then instead of complaining about something all of a sudden it doesn't seem so bad and I just become thankful for all the blessings in my life :) It's not easy and it takes time to remember that "today, I choose joy". But its so worth it!
Also I have been taking some time for myself, even if its just a few minutes to walk in my garden by myself or a cup of coffee in the yard by myself before the kids wake, or a nice shower or bath at the end of the day whether I need it or not, an extra piece of chocolate for "extra antioxidants to heal my body from the results of stress" haha. The little things you do for yourself really add up and help with stress too!
I too do the best I can to have a no drama zone in my house. I want no drama here, if you bring drama you can leave and when you are ready to be civil and leave the drama behind then you are welcome to come back. The world is full of drama and that is one thing I want to do for my kids, husband and myself is that our home will be drama free. Leave the drama with the world because it will be there when we leave the house so just let go of the drama when you come home. It sure makes our house even more homey because of that whole idea of leaving drama where the drama comes from and not bringing it home. When we first started that it was hard but its becoming easier. Well at any rate that is what we do for stress :)
Mothers are those wonderful people who can get up in the morning before the smell of coffee. ~Author Unknown
http://countryrenaissance.blogspot.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SunflowersAndHoney |
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Beverly Gill
True Blue Farmgirl
1114 Posts
Beverly
Marlborough
USA
1114 Posts |
Posted - Jun 06 2012 : 07:55:20 AM
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 gal friends, all I want to say is fight your stress factors before it gets out of control........I know it has put a dent in my health. My stressors in my life are my 2 adult children living with us........so my solution for myself to survive is to pack up and go over to India.......I know this sounds very laughable to most of you all....but its true. When given lemons in life I just make lemonade. God has blessed me in a very unusual way.....and I do consider myself blessed to go over and get some peace of mind.
More if you are interested.....
But in the meantime take care of yourselves NOW before its too late and you have major issues
Beverly Gill
There's no place like home |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
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Beverly Gill
True Blue Farmgirl
1114 Posts
Beverly
Marlborough
USA
1114 Posts |
Posted - Jun 06 2012 : 12:39:57 PM
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sure....sent you an e-mail.
Beverly
There's no place like home |
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Here's to Your Health: Taking Stress Seriously |
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Taking Stress Seriously
