Let’s talk about stress, shall we?

I want to talk about stress.  I would be really surprised if anyone doesn’t know what the heck stress is.  In fact,  I’d bet a dollar that most, if not all of you are way too familiar with stress.

As a special needs parent, stress has become my worst enemy, and I long for a way to banish it from my life forever.

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Not all stress is bad because sometimes it can motivate us to keep going.

However, the kind of stress that I constantly feel as a special needs parent is indescribable and not at all good.  If you want proof,  just ask my hair, rather what’s left of it.

Stress can and will destroy your body from the inside out if chronic and left unchecked.

I thought we could really help each other to better manage our stress by sharing some things that we do to cope.  For example,  I love walking.  Walking is fantastic exercise and a great way to burn off stress. Unfortunately, I no longer am able to sneak away very often, so I’ve pretty much had to hang up my shoes.

There are many other ways of coping with stress, some more fun than others.  😉

However, one thing that I’ve noticed is that I can become so used to the level of stress I’m under that I don’t even realize its there.  To me, that’s scary, but also very true.

It’s important to take care of yourself and at least have some type of outlet or way to burn off any stress you my best feeling.

I thought I would open up the floor and see if we could dialog about what kind of stress you feel and the ways you have found to cope with it.

 

 

Rob Gorski

Full time, work from home single Dad to my 3 amazing boys. Oh...and creator fo this blog. :-)
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kat13

I don't know when you had a topic on saving the money topic, but just a few minutes ago I ran into for following site that simply organizes all of the discount events at the local grocery stores in nice way:&nbsp ;http://www.stockpilingmoms.com 
 
I really thought it was handy and I will be definitely using it. I just thought that I would share it with all of you guys 🙂

Batty

 @lostandtired I was going to ask for a photo of your grey bread–LOL

Batty

 @Carlyoung I totally understand–due to my knees and balance issues I can no longer range about the farm, nor ride our horses.  Really affects what I can do that I once did to destress!
Karen

Hopeful Mom

Reading your posts and the posts of others here and other sites are helpful to me… I suppose it makes me feel less alone. Thank you for what you do. 🙂 Surrounding myself with positive messages from articles, books, websites, blogs, friends etc… help keep my life in perspective and focused on what is right rather than dwelling on what is wrong. Listening to music can give me an instant lift, especially when combined with singing and dancing! Gardening is good for my body and soul. A chat and free therapy session from my husband, mom, aunt or friend works wonders and has saved me a fortune!

therookiedad

One of the things that I have taken up as a parent to de-stress is reading.  It is difficult to find the time as a parent but sometimes you just have to make time for it.  

lostandtired

@therookiedad nice to meet you. You are so right about this. You have to make the time to spend on yourself or you'll fall apart. Very well said my new friend. 🙂

therookiedad

 @lostandtired It is something that I even struggle with.  I can't imagine what it is like with a special needs child.  I feel for you and hope and pray for the best!

lostandtired

@therookiedad thank you very much

Carlyoung

It is difficult to find ways to eliminate stress.  I have a hard time walking, and because of balance issues can't get out and ride the motorcycle anymore.  I find myself, putting on headphones, stretching out on the bed and reading a good book.  There aren't a lot of options right now for stress removal. 

lostandtired

@Carlyoung I hear you Carl. Have you thought about meditation? I'm really interested in trying that but just never have. There is a ton of science showing the amazing benefits of meditation.

jjean3940

ack, hit enter too soon.  In terms of coping, I am a big believer in baths, also in reading for 20 minutes (something enjoyable) before bed, no matter how tired I am or how late it is.  Also, making lists helps me immeasurably- just helps me feel a little more in control, or at least lay out the things I am not in control of a little more clearly.  Cleaning also does the same.  Somehow, a vacuumed rug makes my world feel better….

lostandtired

@jjean3940 those are great ideas. I'm also a member of the premature grey club. I have tons of grey in my bread.

lostandtired

beard. I meant beard.

dotdash

 @jjean3940 Ditto on lists and cleaning.   If I don't make lists of things to do on paper or the computer, they stay in my head and create a perennial sense of doom hanging over me.   And having the house crazy cluttered drives me nuts, so I neaten up in order to prevent that "I cannot live in this house with this mess one more minute!" kind of moment.  
 
More than anything, I try not to yell at the kids in order to relieve stress.  

jjean3940

First of all, even if you don't notice the stress at times, there is no doubt that you are feeling it, or at least that is my experience.  For instance, within a week of my second child being diagnosed with autism I had mysteriously developed lock jaw for the first time in my life!  And I may not be going bald, as a woman, but man do I look suspiciously like a skunk these days- SO MUCH GRAY!  I