Hello Everyone!
I’m Donna, and this is my first blog, though it won’t be my
last as I had been thinking of starting a blog prior to this course because I
like to write. I’m excited to see where this one will take me (and you)
throughout this course.
The Journey On relaxation exercise reminded me of a similar
exercise I learned in my high school drama class. In that exercise, we had to
sit in a circle and the teacher walked us through it much the same as the
Journey On man does, first telling us to close our eyes, then telling us to let
go of everything, starting with our heads, down to our arms, fingers, legs, and
toes. The Journey On exercise was definitely relaxing, though I never have
problems relaxing, no matter how stressed I am, and therefore, this exercise
nearly made me fall asleep.
As a kid, I had a tendency to worry about every little thing.
I used to get stressed out to the point that my face would break out with nasty
blisters that made me look like I had some sort of disease. I got tired of that
happening, and learned to not let things bother me, though I can’t really
describe how I do it since I’ve never taken any workshops or courses on stress
or healing. My friends always comment on how calm I am and when they ask how I
do it, I tell them that whenever I’m faced with a problem I tell myself that no
problems will last forever, which is a bit calming. Other than that, I’m not
aware of any other tricks.
I don’t know if I will use the Journey On exercise again,
since it made me really sleepy, and I have no problems relaxing. I tried to do
yoga as a form of exercise once, but that too made be very sleepy, so I
stopped. Now I do whatever workout videos are available OnDemand, at least
three times per week for my physical health. I know that exercise raises the body’s
endorphins levels, and endorphins make us happy, so maybe that’s how I stay
relaxed!
Wow that is interesting that you were able to develop such successful coping mechanisms at such a young age with no help outside of yourself. I like that idea of saying it won't last forever, maybe I should try that. I guess it's the same as saying "and this too shall pass". I have a very hard time relaxing so the exercise we did really helped me and made me realize I have more control over my body than I thought I did. Now if I could just figure out what is going on physically when I get stressed out and get a migraine, how to reverse that process, I'd be so happy! Do you think there is a way to reverse my body's reaction to stress and eliminate migraines completely?
ReplyDeleteHi Jada,
DeleteI definitely think there is a way to reverse your reaction to stress, though I think ways of doing so vary with each person, and you just have to find what works for you. I have found that exercise helps me not only physically but mentally as well as it as an outlet for my emotions. I typically feel calmer after a good workout. :)
Donna
Hi Donna,
ReplyDeleteFor me managing stress is accepting that I don't have the ability to control everything. When I stopped worrying about the things that I couldn't control, which is a lot, I felt so much better. Great post!
Brandy
Hi Donna, it's great to hear that you've found what relaxation strategies work best for you. We shouldn't assume that what is recommended will work for every person. Just because an expert says it works doesn't mean trial and error is not important. It also may depend on what specific things are stressing us individually especially since our notes said that identical stressors can produce different responses in the body. Realizing that problems won't last forever is something I do myself as well. I focus on how God is mightier than any problem I face, so I look to his Word for how to respond to specific issues.
ReplyDeleteDonna, I can't wait to follow along with you through this blogging project! You and I are quite opposite of each other, stress affects me very easily and I show my emotions on my shoulder. I have never been able to manage my stress when it reaches the tip of my capacity but I have learned to deal with it I guess. I have always wished that I could learn to relax and not let things bother me. 29 years into my life and I still don't relax easy whatsoever but by golly I am at a point in my life where I must start taking time to relax. My shoulders can't take the tension anymore and my body deserves it. The Journey On exercise did the opposite for me, it actually did help me to relax, without making me feel sleep so I was quite surprised. I can't wait to try another exercise. I look forward to hearing more of your experiences and thoughts!
ReplyDeleteMrs. Rogers-
LOL! I just commented on your blog. :)
ReplyDeleteThe only tips I can offer you for decreasing stress is to just remind yourself that any problem that comes your way won't last forever, and that you're only human. I should mention that I'm a perfectionist, which used to contribute to my stress, and though I still strive for perfection, when things don't go as planned, I remind myself that nobody is perfect and that life is full of mistakes.
Also, I find that it helps to focus on my interests, and it's a big help to not take work home with me. At 5pm, I stop thinking about work. And when I am home, I work on an assignment or 2 for class, then I stop thinking about school. I think it's just a matter of training your brain to focus on things you want to focus on and not let other things creep into your mind. I'm no expert, but that seems to help me!
Donna