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crumpet
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« on: December 28, 2011, 12:08:08 PM » |
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I have a pretty constant level of low-grade stress and I'd like to reduce it for my health and sanity.
Physically, I tense up my shoulders and jaw. Emotionally, I get anxious more easily than I like.
Most academics I know have similar problems. I've been trying to figure out some sustainable stress relief measures and thought we could pool resources on this thread (there are some old ones, mostly hijacked by other topics).
Things I already do:
1. Exercise.
2. Healthy diet.
3. Stop working at a reasonable hour in the evening.
Any other ideas?
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creepies
New member
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« Reply #1 on: December 28, 2011, 12:14:07 PM » |
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I'm in the same boat. In addition to those three, I would add: daily exposure to sunlight (when climate allows).
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crowie
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« Reply #2 on: December 28, 2011, 12:16:11 PM » |
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I know it can be costly (though some health plans will cover it) but regularly scheduled therapeutic massage is very helpful.
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« Last Edit: December 28, 2011, 12:16:28 PM by crowie »
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merinoblue
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« Reply #3 on: December 28, 2011, 12:20:36 PM » |
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If you enjoy massage and can afford it (even the occasional one), it can be a terrific way to relax. Even 10 minutes of self-massage on a tense part of your body (e.g. feet, neck, jaw) can be very relaxing.
Regular "relaxation response" breathing when you notice yourself becoming tense or anxious can take the level down. It takes just 5 minutes.
One of the best methods of relaxation for me is a coversation with laughter. The conversation distract me from what ails me; the laughter relaxes tense muscles. If I have no one to talk to at the end of a difficult day, there's a phone line in my city that anyone can call, just to talk. I will call and strike up a conversation with a volunteer to have a conversation that allows me to laugh before bedtime.
Movies also work well for me. I try to get out and see one a week. It removes me emotionally and mentally from what's bothering me.
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Sometimes I can start a party; sometimes I can't.
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voxprincipalis
Foxaliciously Cinnamon-Scented (and Most Poetic)
Member-Moderator
Distinguished Senior Member
Posts: 17,444
Has potentially infinite removable wallets
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« Reply #4 on: December 28, 2011, 01:13:16 PM » |
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I have a pretty constant level of low-grade stress and I'd like to reduce it for my health and sanity.
Physically, I tense up my shoulders and jaw. Emotionally, I get anxious more easily than I like.
Most academics I know have similar problems. I've been trying to figure out some sustainable stress relief measures and thought we could pool resources on this thread (there are some old ones, mostly hijacked by other topics).
Things I already do:
1. Exercise.
2. Healthy diet.
3. Stop working at a reasonable hour in the evening.
Any other ideas?
Meditation, especially mindfulness meditation. Therapy. Massage. Drugs. Laughter. VP |
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If you need me, I'll be hiding under a rock until mid-August. Try not to need me, unless you come bearing Chinese food.
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bamabound
unDistinguished
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Posts: 249
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« Reply #5 on: December 28, 2011, 04:52:01 PM » |
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Here are some of mine that haven't been covered:
I tense up my jaw a lot, so every hour I try to relax it. First, grimace then open mouth and eyes wide. Then I try to touch my tongue to the tip of my nose 5-10 times.
Self-hand massage: Use thumb and forefinger to massage fleshy area on other hand. Then use thumb/forefinger to rub up and down each finger of other hand. Repeat on both sides.
Standing Downward dog at desk: Bend body at 90 degree angle, hands on hip-height desk or table. Stretch.
Calf-stretch against wall.
Doorway stretch for pectorals. Use google to search for how-to.
Sit on the edge of a chair. Grab the outside of your elbow with opposite hand. Pull across your body. Repeat on both sides.
Put hands together in "namaste" or prayer pose. Gently stretch wrists to 90 degree angle. Then bend right wrist and hold hand with left hand. Let weight of elbow gently stretch wrist to 90 degrees. Repeat on both sides.
I do the above in the office daily. They are essential for heavy users of computers. Interestingly, there is an article in the January issue of Prevention magazine that describes some of these.
Miracle balls: I got these at Costco and they are seriously fantastic, especially when used on shoulder blades. After a Miracle Ball session I feel like I've had a massage, they're that good. Amazon has them for $12 with instruction book. Might get the same response with two tennis balls.
Chair massages can be wonderful, and some chiropractors offer them, as do some walk-in spas at shopping malls. While you stay clothed, the back-sholder-arm massage usually hits the most troublesome stress spots. Or trade a neck-shoulder massage with co-worker, friend or family member.
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« Last Edit: December 28, 2011, 04:52:47 PM by bamabound »
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academic_cog
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« Reply #6 on: December 28, 2011, 05:47:49 PM » |
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My sister took a series of Alexander Technique classes --- she loves to sing in the choir and her choir director told her that her jaw was too tense. I still don't quite understand what it is, but I am reading up on it: http://alexandertechnique.com/at.htm |
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crumpet
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« Reply #7 on: December 28, 2011, 06:20:03 PM » |
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Some excellent tips on here -- thanks for posting!
I just scheduled a long-procrastinated massage thanks to this thread (I tend to be bad about scheduling time for myself).
Someone suggested lying with a tennis ball under my shoulders to ease the tension. It does help, but I don't do it nearly enough. Thanks for reminding me Bamabound!
I'll also try your jaw exercises and look into the Alexander Technique. I'm always surprised by how many people also have this problem. I never thought about it until mine got really tight about a month ago. The things one learns about in academe...
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golden_ticket
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« Reply #9 on: December 28, 2011, 07:35:40 PM » |
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Before having my own cats I used to help out at grad uni's vet tech program. They always appreciated it when people stopped by and played with the cats or walked the dogs, and it was directly on campus. If your uni or college has a vet program, maybe this might be an option (or volunteering at an animal shelter). I find interacting with animals to be a great stress reliever.
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genius_at_large
Wylie E. Coyote, Genius at Large
Senior member
Posts: 580
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« Reply #10 on: December 28, 2011, 07:42:14 PM » |
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I have a dog that thinks I'm God's gift to the dog world. He curls up next to me on the couch when I watch TV and sleeps by my feet. He's travel-sized for my convenience. Except for the occasional fart (from him), this significantly lowers my stress levels.
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I am the Jethro Gibbs of higher education.
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punchnpie
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« Reply #11 on: December 28, 2011, 11:00:30 PM » |
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A coloring book. It's hard to be tense when you're coloring a pretty princess dress. Plus, it's easy to pull out and put back in the middle of the activities that make you tense. One page of coloring lasts just enough to take the edge off and you can get back to work quickly, but relaxed and probably smiling.
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What about all them other professors – ain’t they your kin? Good God, no. I loathe them and they loathe me. – Sunset Limited
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zarathustra
Because the Chron says I'm a
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Posts: 9,942
Procrastifabulous by nature.
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« Reply #12 on: December 29, 2011, 01:05:09 AM » |
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Dog walks
Running
Yoga
Alexander tech
Naps
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"...undigested hummus trading real estate for this fire dance.." ~C.S.
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crumpet
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« Reply #13 on: December 29, 2011, 01:33:49 AM » |
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Dog walks
Running
Yoga
Alexander tech
Naps
Tell me more about Alexander tech. You're the second to mention it and I have never heard of it before. |
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prytania3
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« Reply #14 on: December 29, 2011, 10:24:24 AM » |
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How many times do I have to say it?
Benzos.
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Clowns, I tell you. Clowns.
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