Dealing with Stress

[Jace]

Hiya all,

Lately I've been dealing with a lot of stress in my life that my doctor says I'm getting close to a breakdown...he's ordering me into bed rest! I have a hard time getting my classes/work off my mind and especially the fact that I have applications for grad school out there and people in my program I know with higher averages than mine are already getting rejection letters...(A- average doesn't go far these days I suppose though I worked my *** off for it and am graduating with honours)...

So my question is...what can I do to deal with all of this stress? Are there any useful exercises you use? My body feels like it's falling apart and it's causing temptation! I make money on the side by baking things for special events and my roommate paid me a good sum to make a coconut cream pie in a pate brisee crust for her and her boyfriends Valentines Day celebration...I've never been tempted until all this stress hit...was always able to control myself...what should I do? (Didn't give in, but came close!)

Thanks in advance!

~Ubique Illuminatus!

[Lyssie]

Re: Dealing with Stress

ummm.. I take wellbutrin since I was close to breakdowns quite frequently... my mom takes xanex (since you don't need to continually take it, or taper on/take for 2 weeks to get the full dose)...

I realize that a lot of people will say yoga/meditation, but I really think that you need to be able to get to a state where trying to force yourself into it is actually possible - if I'm wired before I go to anything with "guided meditation" I start to have anxiety attacks... so usually I do a really hard workout ahead of time, and sometimes that helps... You could also see if someone would do something fun, like an amusement park or something if that's an option, as a way of getting away from the stress and use your mind for a while... Sudoku's amuse me... since you're basically totally focusing on that so you don't really have the chance to focus on other things....

I hope this helps and that you start feeling better soon. *hugs*

[Angel_Eyes18]

Re: Dealing with Stress

Just take baby steps hon. Relax take a good bath or something. Thats what I do.

[sallyseachange]

Re: Dealing with Stress

Sorry to hear you're having these problems Jace.
Don't beat yourself up too much. Maybe if you take the "Que serà serà" attitude it might help. You can only do so much... and if you've done your best already (which sounds like you have) then leave the rest... and the results, to fate. Do a few nice things for yourself that will distract and distend.
Remember... things go in phases, both the ups and the downs. A better time is just around the corner. Hang in there and think positive.

Congrats on your great average and for graduating with honours!

[sadie147]

Re: Dealing with Stress

As well as yoga, I think walking/running are also great stress relievers, it gives you some time to yourself to clear your head, collect your thoughts etc. And I think you release some of the stress in the physical part of it.

[jimmie 48]

Re: Dealing with Stress

jace, i find it a bit disheartening that your doctor would send you to bed rest when you are stressed. that would lead me to more stress and discouragement and depression. drugs would be not be my first choice either, but that's me personally. get moving, start releasing some of those endorphines and start focusing on positive things that will head you into the right direction. you know the way, your had success with grades, plans and have made goal here with your low carb woe.