A survivor's ten tips for managing stress
One of the things that heart and stroke survivors hear about a lot is how important it is to manage stress levels. These days, pretty much everyone I know is struggling with this, whether or not they have a heart problem.
Why has stress become such a universal challenge for everyone? Over the course of my lifetime, the sources of collective stress have continued to multiply starting with the impacts of trickle down economics starting in the 1980s, the impacts of free trade agreements in the 1990s, the impacts of rapid technological changes since the mid 1990s, the global recession of 2008, climate change threatening everything from the food change to the health of the oceans, an increase in fascist/right-leaning governments world-wide and ongoing armed conflicts placing civilians in the cross hairs, in places like Yemen. And in late 2019, COVID19 stepped onto the world stage, and cranked everything up another few notches.
So what do you do to combat stress at times like this? Here are my top ten ways of managing stress:
1. Sleep - Getting enough rest is important for all survivors and more so during these stressful times. If I cannot sleep (for whatever reason) I will make it up by sleeping later or taking an afternoon nap.
2. Having some sort of routine - Regardless of what time my day starts, it always begins the same way. I have a morning cuddle in bed with my beagle. (Never under-estimate the therapeutic value of critter-snuggling!) Then my sweetie and I have a coffee together in our living room, where we chat about what we want to do that day. This is followed by breakfast, getting dressed, cleaning up the kitchen and doing a few minor household chores, before getting on with whatever we decided on earlier.
3. Getting outside, weather permitting - There is something about being outdoors that makes any day feel a little brighter. I find people in my neighborhood sometimes step out onto their porches to speak briefly to us as we walk by. It's nice to chat with folks across the fence, even if only for a few moments.
4. Bringing the outside in - It might be April but the temperature here today is still below zero with the windchill, so I can't get out on days like this (too hard on the lungs). I've resorted to planting seeds in preparation for when spring actually gets here. Any activity that lets me get dirt under my finger nails and is future oriented is a comfort these days.
5. Speaking of future oriented activities - I've started working toward clearing out my studio, now that I've closed my small craft business for good. I'm approaching this gradually, of course, and within my endurance limitations, but it is satisfying to feel like I'm taking steps to move forward in my life, even if this means letting go of old routines and dreams. It is allowing me to make space both physically and emotionally for something new. And this is a good thing.
6. Practicing gratitude - Dogs are masters at living in the moment and extracting as much joy as possible. Following this marvelous example, I look for opportunities each day to practice gratitude, especially with loved ones. For once, we have all the time in the world to say the things we wish we could say, to share the thoughts we wish we could share. Collecting hugs (both real and virtual) have become an integral part of my day.
7. Digging into hobbies - Like many crafters, I too have a small pile of unfinished projects (or in some cases un-started projects). I've recently dusted off some of these and have actually finished a few since early March. I've also been catching up on my reading. I'm avoiding "heavy" topics or titles and focusing on fiction that leads to a satisfying conclusion. My sweetie writes so I have ready access to her new stuff. Her latest is a lovely adventure! Indulging in hobbies and bringing projects to completion have become satisfying ways to fill in time spent the house during the day.
8. Limit time spent on social or other media - Media of all types tends to yank my emotions around and increase my stress, so I limit my daily exposure. When I am feeling stressed, the last thing I need is to read or watch stuff that will only add to this. Instead, I've sought out new YouTube Channels featuring DIY or other special interests. These are usually upbeat and wonderfully distracting without cliff hangers, violence or other negative content. I've recently enjoyed Alexandra Gater and Dannie Berger's YouTube Channels. I've been a fan of Prior Attire's channel for a while now too. If you haven't tried YouTube as a source of stress free entertainment give it a try.
9. Eat as well as you can - Eating well is always important for heart and stroke survivors. Unable to find your usual ingredients? Get on Pinterest and start digging around. You might be surprised what you can find. My latest foray was searching for yeast-free bread recipes as yeast is becoming increasingly difficult to find. At least twice a day, we sit down to a meal at the table, which has been set nicely. We take the time to make dessert at least 3-4 times a week too. We stick with healthier alternatives, like apple crumble, but it is a welcome little luxury during these stressful times.
10. Journal - I don't journal every day, but it is there when I need it. I've always found that writing down my thoughts helps me to put them into perspective. My motto is if I can write it down on paper, if all else fails, I can set it on fire and send my worries up in smoke. Thankfully it doesn't often come to this, but I have a small cast iron ashtray that I bought in a second hand shop years ago that comes in handy should a literary sacrifice become necessary.
Anyway, that's the top ten things I do to keep my stress levels under control. What do you do to help you manage? I'd love to hear about what works for you? Leave your suggestions in the comments below.
And hang in there!
Why has stress become such a universal challenge for everyone? Over the course of my lifetime, the sources of collective stress have continued to multiply starting with the impacts of trickle down economics starting in the 1980s, the impacts of free trade agreements in the 1990s, the impacts of rapid technological changes since the mid 1990s, the global recession of 2008, climate change threatening everything from the food change to the health of the oceans, an increase in fascist/right-leaning governments world-wide and ongoing armed conflicts placing civilians in the cross hairs, in places like Yemen. And in late 2019, COVID19 stepped onto the world stage, and cranked everything up another few notches.
So what do you do to combat stress at times like this? Here are my top ten ways of managing stress:
1. Sleep - Getting enough rest is important for all survivors and more so during these stressful times. If I cannot sleep (for whatever reason) I will make it up by sleeping later or taking an afternoon nap.
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| Is there ever too much cat love? |
3. Getting outside, weather permitting - There is something about being outdoors that makes any day feel a little brighter. I find people in my neighborhood sometimes step out onto their porches to speak briefly to us as we walk by. It's nice to chat with folks across the fence, even if only for a few moments.
 |
| Apple trees in training |
5. Speaking of future oriented activities - I've started working toward clearing out my studio, now that I've closed my small craft business for good. I'm approaching this gradually, of course, and within my endurance limitations, but it is satisfying to feel like I'm taking steps to move forward in my life, even if this means letting go of old routines and dreams. It is allowing me to make space both physically and emotionally for something new. And this is a good thing.
6. Practicing gratitude - Dogs are masters at living in the moment and extracting as much joy as possible. Following this marvelous example, I look for opportunities each day to practice gratitude, especially with loved ones. For once, we have all the time in the world to say the things we wish we could say, to share the thoughts we wish we could share. Collecting hugs (both real and virtual) have become an integral part of my day.
 |
| Lap quilt finally finished! |
8. Limit time spent on social or other media - Media of all types tends to yank my emotions around and increase my stress, so I limit my daily exposure. When I am feeling stressed, the last thing I need is to read or watch stuff that will only add to this. Instead, I've sought out new YouTube Channels featuring DIY or other special interests. These are usually upbeat and wonderfully distracting without cliff hangers, violence or other negative content. I've recently enjoyed Alexandra Gater and Dannie Berger's YouTube Channels. I've been a fan of Prior Attire's channel for a while now too. If you haven't tried YouTube as a source of stress free entertainment give it a try.
 |
| African Peanut Stew |
10. Journal - I don't journal every day, but it is there when I need it. I've always found that writing down my thoughts helps me to put them into perspective. My motto is if I can write it down on paper, if all else fails, I can set it on fire and send my worries up in smoke. Thankfully it doesn't often come to this, but I have a small cast iron ashtray that I bought in a second hand shop years ago that comes in handy should a literary sacrifice become necessary.
Anyway, that's the top ten things I do to keep my stress levels under control. What do you do to help you manage? I'd love to hear about what works for you? Leave your suggestions in the comments below.
And hang in there!
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