Sarah’s Tips for Managing Stress
4. Avoid People Who Cause You Stress
Not everyone in our life is a blessing. If I sit and think about the people in my life, there are a couple that I realize haven’t brought me any form of joy in a long time. In fact, seeing them causes me stress… maintaining a forced friendship causes me stress… therefore, it is common sense that I remove them from my life.
5. Find a Go-To Stress Reliever
It’s important to know how to relax when you find yourself in a stressful situation, as removing tension build-up is essential. While things like massages are good at relieving stress, waiting a week for an appointment doesn’t provide you with the relaxation you may need.
Some recommendations include:
- Fresh air and deep breathing (an obvious but always helpful action),
- Practice short bursts of meditation that can provide an instant sense of calm,
- Take a break and physically remove yourself from a situation – the English in me suggests an action like making a cup of tea to create a ‘time-out’
- Find a website or blog that centers you and relaxes you – perhaps a photography blog or a comedy blog to provide you with distraction and happiness.
Counselor Eric’s Tips for Managing Stress
You cannot stop fibromyalgia. You cannot stop stress. But you can develop good stress-busting copings skills to make the fight fair. Here’s how:
1. Understand Your Stress
Just as fibro symptoms are unique to each sufferer, so are stressors. Your triggers will differ from other people, as will the intensity and duration of symptoms following the trigger.
If you can understand your stress, you will be better able to lessen its effects. The goal is to add the best coping skills at the best times so that you feel more balanced.
As long as balance is in place, you will perceive your symptoms as more manageable.
