How do you deal with stress?

So God never gives us more than we can handle, and I say that *out loud* to remind myself when something new happens because, well, life's funny that way.

Lately, God's been trusting me a lot...it seems He must surely be thinking that I can handle life.

Great.

But it's taking a toll on me. And I don't want a new ulcer. I thought I was doing a good job, obviously not since I have had bronchitis, laryngitis and sinusitis for over a week now. And yes, I'm on meds, but my body's taking its sweet time to heal. No pity paties. I hate those. I want suggestions.

So, how do you deal with stress? Major life stress? Any tips?

Re: How do you deal with stress?

I take stress very hard and take it out on others a lot.

I try to remember that others defnitely have it worse, and DH really helps me a lot too.

Lean on a friend or family member, or us if you have to. Sometimes just talking can help.

Get a massage, pedicure or retail therapy always helps too!!!!

Feel better, hopefully your stresses will end soon.

Re: How do you deal with stress?

stress can really take it's toll after a while.
maybe you can 'de-stress' by taking time for yourself - go to a spa, get a nice massage; soak in a nice hot bubble bath, listen to some soothing music...
or maybe you and hubby can go out on a 'fun' date to get your minds off of things for a little while? miniature golf? sports arcade?
or what about doing some baking together? homemade cookies where you roll out the dough and use cookie cutters are always fun!! whatever you decide, hope you feel better soon!

Re: How do you deal with stress?

Let me know if you find out how...
between losing weight and my lovely chest pain that will require a cardiologist monitoring me, I am all out of ideas.

Re: How do you deal with stress?

I have no advice hun, just lots of I am still trying to figure out how to deal with stress

Re: How do you deal with stress?

I usually go into hiding or lash out at people. Can you say ISSUES

Re: How do you deal with stress?

NOT WELL...

I take some medication for stress and a couselor. I have a really hard time handling stress. More so the litlle things the everyday thing get to me the the bigger things not sure why. Still trying to figure it out. The meds help the physical portion of anxiety though so that helps alot.

Re: How do you deal with stress?

I usually deal with stress by giving myself a major tension headache that honestly takes about a month to go away. (Not recommended)

Once it gets like this (because for some reason I can never not let this happen) I find that massages, sitting with a heating pad as often as I can, and all things that normally would be heaven...are really comforting.

Sasha - definitely get yourself a really long massage because you do deserve it and you need to be the best you can when things get stressful. Take care of yourself (or pay someone else to do it).

Re: How do you deal with stress?

A massage sounds nice. I'm going to look into that.

I can't go to family because, well, they're the ones that need me to be strong & be there for them. Life is becoming very full.

I may just take a hot bath tonight!

Thanks...and please keep it coming.

Meditation? Church? Crying for hours? Anything I can do...

Re: How do you deal with stress?

Oh oh oh...candles for your bath!!!!!! and nice smelling soaps...anything that takes your mind a way even if for a moment....OMG...chocolate!!!!!!

ETA: You know what...I would recommend church if you are religious to any degree. When we had a breast cancer scare with my mom I would go to church as sit in the private chapel in the back and just think and pray. It was so quiet and I think that helped me a lot.

Message edited 12/19/2006 12:06:16 PM.

Re: How do you deal with stress?

Nothing really helps me except having someone I can talk to. Massages, baths, pedicures, etc feel nice for the moment but does nothing for me overall to actually relieve stress.

Knowing there's someone I can tell anything to, that is in my corner gives me a little comfort. I wish it would take the nasuea and headaches away but it helps to have a shoulder to cry on.

Re: How do you deal with stress?

I dont deal with stress well but i think that the things that have helped me in the past are a regular exercise routine, getting enough rest (try for 8 hours per night) and a healthy diet. If needed, definitely try therapy as well.

Re: How do you deal with stress?

Re: How do you deal with stress?

How I deal with major life stress.. is massages.. taking long walks... crying always helps.... and keeping busy with anything like cooking, crocheting, cleaning... something to distract me from the stress.. During times of major stress it is very important to take care of yourself.. treat yourself whenever you can... I hope things get better.

Re: How do you deal with stress?

I go shopping, eat, spend time with family/DH, get away for a day or two if I can, and pray.

Re: How do you deal with stress?

My sweet Ang, I'm going to Bath & Body Works after work!!

This is kind of cliched, but please ladies, don't take your life, your health, your family for granted. And no matter how "bad" your life seems, remember that it can always be worse.

I'm praying hard...really hard...that all is over soon!!

I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish that He didn't trust me so much.
Mother Teresa



I love all the suggestions, and will need them...keep them coming.

Also, I have an 8 month preggo sister who can't drink or get massages right now...or a hot bath...what can I tell her to do?

Message edited 12/19/2006 12:10:58 PM.

Re: How do you deal with stress?

Posted by MrsERod


Sasha, what about a good Pastelon?????

Re: How do you deal with stress?

stress = having a cigarette!

bad I know, but it seems to be the only thing that calms me down and allows me to think the problem through...

I also speak with family and DH about what is bothering me and they calm me down as well...

Feel better sweetie

Re: How do you deal with stress?

I pray. I was having a really tough week last week and I wanted desperately to go to Church to have some one on one time with God but I missed the only mass they had on my day off . But I make up for it by talking to God every chance I get. When I'm alone in the car (which is usually the only time I get to be alone) I talk to him. I turn my radio completely off and tell him how I'm feeling and how I need his help. Other drivers must think I'm crazy!

I feel your pain Sasha. FIL was diagnosed with cancer last month, money is tight, i'm launching a new business endeavor, and STILL doing real estate full time so i'm totally stressed right now. But i believe that God does everything for a reason. I will learn from this experience.

Chin up and feel better...

ETA: A HUGE stress reliever for me is getting a mani and pedi! nothing like some beauty time to get me back into gear...

Message edited 12/19/2006 12:23:08 PM.

Re: How do you deal with stress?

Re: How do you deal with stress?

Re: How do you deal with stress?

Just wanted to send some - I dont have any suggestions besides what some others mentioned.

Re: How do you deal with stress?

Posted by Eva Luna

Posted by Sweets13

stress = having a cigarette!

bad I know, but it seems to be the only thing that calms me down and allows me to think the problem through...

Please don't smoke - ever!!! CANCER SUCKS!!!

Thanks for the suggestions girls!!

Re: How do you deal with stress?

Posted by Sweets13

I am sorry if my response upset you... I was just being honest..before I was pregnant I was a smoker...then I quit and have only had 2 since giving birth.....I dont have any plans on going back....just needed one on those 2 occassions~

Re: How do you deal with stress?

Yoga class. I did it before becoming pg and then throughout my whole pregnancy (prenatal of course) and it was a godsend.