Dealing with Stress
We all cope with stress/anxiety/problems in different ways. Sometimes we handle these issues well, but sometimes we are working towards better ways to cope. Here, our staff shares how they cope on good days and bad days.
Good Days
“Writing and confiding in my support system.”
“I drink a lot of tea -- in fact, it's extremely unusual to see me sitting at my desk without a cup of tea of some kind. I try to do yoga every night before I go to bed, because I sleep better. Hot, relaxing baths help release some of my tension, but I don't take them often enough. I also still have two stuffed animals from my childhood on my bed, which I'm not ashamed to admit I snuggle at night in place of my two cats, who can't live with me on-campus. Finally, I fill the spare moments of time, riding on the bus or unable to sleep at night, when I would otherwise be worrying, with reading books or listening to music. These may seem like simple pleasures, but I think there is a lot of value in "creature comforts" when you're going through a rough time, or even when you're not. It's worth a lot to have positive, comforting habits to fall back on and to help you take a break.”
“I go to the gym now instead in the afternoon to curb my snacking habit!”
“Communicating in a safe environment with a trusted individual; finding therapeutic outlets such as running or writing to relinquish those feelings and thoughts constantly weighing on your mind; recognizing a need for help and actively seeking it out; willing to accept your illness is a part of you, but absolutely does NOT define you; understanding the triggers for the onset of your disorder and devising a way to reduce emotional reaction.”
Bad Days
“My negative outlet for stress when I'm feeling it is to hyper-focus on the source of my anxiety; I tend to obsess over how I can control things that are happening in my life, which can lead me to force myself to work on tasks without taking breaks or eating (to the detriment of my mental and physical well-being). Essentially, I sometimes allow myself no outlet for what I'm feeling other than obsession because I want to solve the issue, make it go away and stop causing me to feel this way. This pattern of behavior is obviously not effective as a coping mechanism, as it only makes the stress worse. Overworking yourself is not admirable; it's unhealthy.”
“Being alone with my thoughts, my eating habits & pretending everything is okay for too long.”
“Isolating myself in bed.”
“Putting off doing schoolwork and other tasks I need to do when I feel like I can’t handle them.”
