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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Rainee on December 21, 2004, at 6:33:09
I have not been around in awhile been doing ok and keeping busy. But was going through a lot of stress for several months. Now with the holidays here I find myself crashing. I just need some validation that another may understand. I'm very tense . like an internal pressure. easily tire.
feel fustrated. anxiety is up, up , up....
I was thinking maybe I need to drop back and be kind to myself... anyone?Rainee
Posted by fallsfall on December 21, 2004, at 6:45:21
In reply to stress and feeling overwhelmed, posted by Rainee on December 21, 2004, at 6:33:09
Excellent idea.
Personally, I recommend ice cream highly.
Decide what is important to *you*, and focus your efforts there. Consciously take a block of time and be selfish within that time.
Recognizing when things are too much for you is half the battle - good for you!
Posted by Shortelise on December 21, 2004, at 12:26:20
In reply to stress and feeling overwhelmed, posted by Rainee on December 21, 2004, at 6:33:09
Rainee,
I don't know you... obvioulsy.
But I myself have been taking a LOT of walks. Fast ones. Tiring ones. I believe, and this might be complete twaddle (thanks to Dr. Bob, I get to use the word "twaddle" and not a curse word!), that one of the things that causes me to get that body felt frustration and anger, and worst of all, *anxiety* is the old fight or flee thing. I want to get the honk out of the situations that cause me to feel so ugly, but I can't, so all of that ugliness festers and fills me.If I can walk (I would run if I could but I'm not in good enough shape) fast and furious it seems to spend that bad energy. It seems to deplete the fight or flee chemical that is coursing through my veins, and I find some calm.
We are built to survive. We have these mechanisms to keep us safe, to keep us out of harm's way. Sometimes I need to remind myself that this is just nature taking its course, and that if I deal with it on the level from which it comes, that is to say, a physical one, it helps a lot. It isn't a "cure", but it really helps.
All of that said, what do I know? Maybe I am stating the obvious, maybe this is all complete nonsense. I only know it works for me.
I would think that yes, you do need to nurture yourself!!!! Whatever positive, self-affirming
kind things you can do to help you through this most stressful of seasons, by all means!I hope this helps. I am there too, so many things to do, leaving for home tomorrow, scared and sad and happy, too. I feel like a milk shake!
ShortE
Posted by vwoolf on December 21, 2004, at 13:22:14
In reply to Re: stress and feeling overwhelmed » Rainee, posted by Shortelise on December 21, 2004, at 12:26:20
I discovered a great new form of stress release some months ago. It's called NIA - neuromuscular integrative activity, and it's a combination of dance, martial arts, meditation and psychology and a whole lot of other things. It stimulates both your body and mind and leaves you feeling amazing. I often find myself crying during the sessions, but nobody seems to worry at all, and I feel quite free to let the tears just run. It is uncompetitive and non-judgemental, and it is an extraordinarily liberating feeling. This probably sounds a bit corny, but it really isn't, it's wonderful. I think classes are only available in big cities and only in the USA and some Scandinavian countries, but if it is available near you, try and attend a class. My class is made up mostly of psychiatrists and psychologists who are using it for their own healing. There's a website at if you're interested.
http://www.introducing.nia-nia.com/tour/whatisnia.htmlBtw, I have no involvement with NIA, in case I sound over enthusiastic. I just think it's really good.
Posted by Shortelise on December 21, 2004, at 18:02:19
In reply to Re: stress and feeling overwhelmed, posted by vwoolf on December 21, 2004, at 13:22:14
I've seen this advertised in our local holistic health newpaper and have wondered about it.
Thanks
ShortE
Posted by Fallen4MyT on December 21, 2004, at 19:20:51
In reply to stress and feeling overwhelmed, posted by Rainee on December 21, 2004, at 6:33:09
I totally identify with you I have amxiety issues like PTSD and SAD that shows up as anxiety not depression and man I HAVE BEEN TENSE this is the first xmas that I just do not want to go out of my house ..I feel I will bust. My T said there comes a time when we have to take care of us and all but I have these obligations...more like chains :(
> I have not been around in awhile been doing ok and keeping busy. But was going through a lot of stress for several months. Now with the holidays here I find myself crashing. I just need some validation that another may understand. I'm very tense . like an internal pressure. easily tire.
> feel fustrated. anxiety is up, up , up....
> I was thinking maybe I need to drop back and be kind to myself... anyone?
>
> Rainee
Posted by LG04 on December 21, 2004, at 22:13:04
In reply to Re: stress and feeling overwhelmed, posted by vwoolf on December 21, 2004, at 13:22:14
The NIA website convinced me to try it so i wrote to the instructors in my city. thanks a lot for the info. and the link.
I too get very stressed and depressed during the holiday season. i feel a lot more lonely than usual. i just wait for them to be over. also i am not christian so i feel very "other" during this holiday season and the assumptions that everyone celebrates christmas is difficult for me. i just want it all to pass quickly.
also, even though i am glad to have vacation (i am a schoolteacher), it nevertheless is unstructured time and that isn't always good for me.
i have to be sure to balance between alone time, friend time, family time, time to relax and time to get things done (prepare for upcoming semester, clean/organize apartment, etc). and to try to eat healthfully (and god forbid get some exercise). i will just try to get through this time with as little "damage" as possible.
it helps when i tell myself that it's a hard time and that all i need to do is to do the best that i can. when i am gentle on myself and accepting that things are hard right now, then i do a lot better.
also it was helpful to read that others have difficulty during this time too. i know that (my friend's mom is a doctor and she says that her patients are always the most depressed during this time of the year) but still, it's helpful to read it and know that i am not alone.
thanks and hang in there.
LG
Posted by gardenergirl on December 21, 2004, at 23:22:30
In reply to NIA » vwoolf, posted by Shortelise on December 21, 2004, at 18:02:19
How cool. There are about three classes in my city. I was just talking with my hubby about how yoga is good, but it's just not helping me with my spatial integration/inattentiveness problem. (Basically, I am a huge clutz...I walk into furniture, walls, door jambs, etc.) He suggested ballet, but this sounds very cool. I will definitely give it a try.
Thanks for posting on it.
gg
Posted by gardenergirl on December 21, 2004, at 23:25:50
In reply to stress and feeling overwhelmed, posted by Rainee on December 21, 2004, at 6:33:09
Rainee,
I'm sorry you are feeling so stressed out. The end of the year can do that to me, too, for so many reasons.Anything you can do related to self-care is good. You need to nurture yourself. And if there is anything you can let go of or let slide, it's probably worth it, even if only temporary.
Do you do any specific relaxation techniques? Deep breathing, meditation, and guided imagery can always help. And I started getting a monthly massage which has been tremendously helpful for my well-being.
I hope your stress eases. It's nice to see you posting again.
gg
Posted by Rainee on December 22, 2004, at 7:04:50
In reply to Re: stress and feeling overwhelmed » Rainee, posted by gardenergirl on December 21, 2004, at 23:25:50
It's good to get validation when you feel most alone. and that Nia looks very interesting I tried bellydancing and it was very earth centered.
expression is wonderful:)Rainee
Posted by vwoolf on December 22, 2004, at 12:53:42
In reply to Thanks too you all, posted by Rainee on December 22, 2004, at 7:04:50
I'd love to know your impressions if any of you actually try NIA. Please keep me posted.
This is the end of the thread.
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