Comments on: Managing Stress

By: English Mum

English Mum — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:55:28 +0000

What great tips, Erica. I have to say I always admire your positivity – now I know it’s because you manage stress so well. I’d kill to be that sorted! xx

By: Antonella

Antonella — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:05:35 +0000

Excellent advice, Erica. I suffer from IBS and I agree that stress is a “killer” but tiredness as well. I suggest, eating well (fruits and vegs above all), go walking or swimming (I don’t like gyms, they stress me even more!) and relax with your friends and family as much as you can. Take care. Ciao. A.

By: ella @most | least

ella @most | least — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 12:16:49 +0000

These are great points. I used to suffer from constant low-grade stress and all of these things would have helped me.

Point number 2 is especially true: since my son became so very ill, I am (rather ironically) so much less stressed – his illness really has put our lives into perspective!

By: Dulwich Divorcee

Dulwich Divorcee — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:50:42 +0000

What a great post, Erica, thanks for your tips and great tips from other readers too. Much as I loathe exercise, I would agree with fresh air and, being a bit OCD, I find cleaning cupboards quite soothing! Recognising you are getting stressed is the key though. Hope you’re feeling better x

By: Josie @Sleep is for the Weak

Josie @Sleep is for the Weak — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 07:14:21 +0000

Fresh air! I know it sounds a bit like something your grandma would say but it is so true. I always feel better after a brisk walk somewhere beautiful. Taking yourself away from hustle and bustle, having a change of scene and just letting yourself just be for an hour while you take in your surroundings is about the best stress reliever I know

By: Rosie Scribble

Rosie Scribble — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 22:04:02 +0000

I think it’s all been said really. I would stress (pardon the expression) of the importance of a healthy balanced diet, vitamins supplements, early nights, taking to friends if you don’t have a partner (or the stress is about your partner) and taking any practical steps that can be used to deal with a sressful situation. Therapy is brilliant but there are long waiting lists on the NHS. There are some good books about stress on the market which can help sufferers understand the issue. I keep a diary and write down any stresses, that helps alot. And I vow by Bachs Rescue Remedy too.

By: TheMadHouse

TheMadHouse — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:51:19 +0000

I have suffered from stress and depression in the past. I have to agree with the sleep. I NEED my sleep, wothout it I am just terrible, to the point that my doctor told DH I had to have more sleep.

I had CBT and it was great it has transformed the way I think and deal with things.

I often find writing things down helps too.

By: Muddling Along Mummy

Muddling Along Mummy — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:31:57 +0000

I’m a stresser and as a result now have an inflamed tendon in my shoulder from tensing up – really is a sign that I need to deal better with things so this is a great list !

By: Little Mummy

Little Mummy — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:13:00 +0000

I find that often what I perceive as stress/feeling depressed is actually tiredness. I don’t think we get enough sleep, generally.

By: Jo Beaufoix

Jo Beaufoix — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:05:42 +0000

Brilliant advice Erica. I’m a stresser (you never guessed right?) but having got to breaking point I had to sort myself out and counseling was brilliant for dealing with the past, and for giving me techniques to deal with stress now. You’re right, if it’s not a life changer then let it go. The key is learning what causes your stress, and, what it is that helps you personally to calm down. Chocolate, a hot bath, reading, an early night or a chat with a mate generally get me back on track. Though actually, too much chocolate effects my pmdd and makes me worse so diet can be an aspect of stress too – not going on one, but just eating well.