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Post by gerald on Feb 13, 2017 13:22:19 GMT -5
---------------------------------------- 6 Tips to Reduce Stress and Help You Relax Everyone suffers from stress from time to time but when you have a chronic disease, stress not only adds to your everyday burden but can often exacerbate the symptoms of your condition. While we can’t avoid stress altogether, there are ways that we help ourselves relax more and not let things stress us out so much. We’ve put together a list of six tips to help you learn how to relax more with information from skillsyouneed.com. Worry LessMost of us are prone to worrying about things, some more so than others. Often we find ourselves worrying about things we have no control over, or fretting about the things that could go wrong. Try to look at things more positively; instead of imagining the things that could go wrong, think about all the things that could go right. If a situation is out of your control, try not to think about it until it comes to its natural conclusion. Do things that take your mind off worrying about a situation, even if it’s just for a short while. Your body will thank you for the distraction. Know Your LimitsThere is no pointing stressing out about things you can’t actually do or find incredibly difficult to do. Focus on the things that you can do and do well. Be proud of your accomplishments and equally, pat yourself on the back for trying things, even if you don’t achieve what you set out to do.
Forgive YourselfWe all have things we’ve done in the past that we regret. However, they’ve passed and worrying about them in the future is not helpful for anyone. Forgive yourself and move forward. You know you won’t make the same mistake again. It’s OK to Say “No”Family and true friends will accept that you feel too ill or tired to do something, and they won’t mind if you back out of a planned event or get-together. If you don’t feel up to something, it’s OK to say no, don’t allow yourself to be pressured or burdened by others. ExerciseDaily exercise is great for the body but it’s also good for the soul. Nothing de-stresses better than the rush of endorphins released by movement. Chose a workout that you enjoy (otherwise it’s counterproductive) and that’s within your physical limits. Setting small goals will help you gradually strengthen your body and give you a sense of accomplishment when you achieve them. Stimulate Your MindOften we stress more when we have nothing else to focus on. A new hobby can give you a new focus and act as a great distraction. It’s a great way to unwind and spend some quality time doing something you enjoy. pulmonaryfibrosisnews.com/2017/02/07/6-tips-reduce-stress-help-relax/6/skillsyouneed.com www.skillsyouneed.com/ps/relax.html |
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Post by lavishgail on Feb 15, 2017 1:43:26 GMT -5
Thank you Gerald, I need to follow-up with this!
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Post by jarca on Feb 17, 2017 23:16:05 GMT -5
excellent tips that i need to remember!
i am the anxiety queen & worry about so many things that i can't do a thing about.
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Post by Suzanne (Suz) on Feb 18, 2017 10:15:39 GMT -5
Great tips thanks Gerald.  |
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Post by ozboy on Feb 18, 2017 20:15:15 GMT -5
Great to break it down in easy to understand language....Ironically both this and Panic Attack situations were very much discussion of the day on both my groups....with a couple of members going thru some scary situations....We also talked about the different ways to get thru them and the use of ''Downers'' Like Alprazalam (Xanax) to prevent or get you thru stressful situations.....  |
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Post by bluebird on Feb 21, 2017 22:25:09 GMT -5
This disease finally got the better of me and forced me into retirement when I wasn't ready. well, actually my body was screaming at me to retire, but I was in such denial about my condition that I kept pushing and pushing until I had to acknowledge the fact that I could no longer get through the day. So... I went out on disability 2 years ago, and I had no problem qualifying for social security disability either. Frankly, I was shocked that I met the requirements without any problems, despite a pulmonologist who kept telling me that I was "already there." But, here's the good news .... I have weaned myself off of the antidepressants and I only rarely need to take Xanax. I must admit that having the Xanax as a "lifeline" to regain a feeling of calmness and sanity is priceless. I do not believe that I could have ever gotten off of the antidepressants if I had continued working. My body was in a constant fight or flight mode as I tried to maintain a career that I loved...Teaching. (I was a late bloomer. I went to college at age 42 and discovered my love and my calling, teaching high school English.) I am still sad that I had to give up something that I truly loved, but I am beginning to come to terms with accepting the limitations of this disease and adjusting accordingly. I am glad that I have found this forum, and I am starting to feel okay about opening up to those that understand the roller coaster ride that this disease gives us physically and mentally. Thank you all for sharing and supporting.
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Post by gerald on Feb 22, 2017 0:33:24 GMT -5
Acceptance of the disease and that there are limitations is always a difficult fight.
Giving up the teaching is unfortunately. However, you may be able to use those
skills as your time and energy permits working with some of the charities that
educate about COPD, how to have a full life with such a disease etc.
We struggle with our conditions but we still need the challenges and joys in our
lives!
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Post by bluebird on Feb 22, 2017 22:27:37 GMT -5
Thanks, Gerald.
I'm lucky that I have a wonderful family (including 3 grandbabies 😄 that keep me busy) and some great friends.
I would love to find out how I could become more involved in the COPD community. Please feel free to send me information on getting involved. There are days when I manage quite well with my illness....Other days, not so well. 💟
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