Thrive Challenge

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Comment by Katarine Holewa on February 3, 2010 at 3:56pm

Going for a great run out near the water, in the trees. Rugged ground, birds chirping, away from people, condo, traffic, ... How can that not be relaxing?

Comment by rk on February 3, 2010 at 3:55pm

How you manage stress?
I used to be really stressed out type earlier. After some bad patches, I kind of realized the big picture and how my little problems are so miniscule in the grand scheme of things.
First and foremost is to understand when you're stressed and sometimes when you're in it, its hard to realize. I learned to identify when I'm stressed (I did it with a concious effort to learn about myself under various situations)
So, the first thing is learn to find when you're stressed
I take small walk (if possible outside)
Breath in/out rather deliberately
If possible, I play a sport or workout
Catch a comedy movie/show
Get a massage (this is great for stress, except I personally cant find it easy to make time to get one)
Chat with friends -- critical here is only those who are funny or positive ppl (we all have friends who are pessimistic or sarcastic -- this is not the time for them)
As cheesy as it sounds, listen to the aptly titled song 'Dont Worry, Be Happy (Bobby McFerrin)'
BE POSITIVE IN LIFE -- granted easier said than done, as most things if you put effort into it and block off the negativity, its not that hard
(hard part for me was to manage friends who always put me down...I dont hang out with them as I used to and when I do, I'm well prepared to block negative stuff)

What brought you to this activity?
Jus the realization that we all get stressed in this modern life and it needs to be manage it just like we do most other things.

How does it fit in your life? I would rather be not stressed, but at this stage of my life, I dont have that serenity.
So, I make sure it has a place and I be on top of it rather than the other way.

What is your advice to others for managing life’s stresses?
Learn to identify when you're stressed
Start putting effort into finding what factors are causing it
Take time (and effort) to manage stress
Find your way to manage it -- be it meditation, massage, sports, etc
I repeat -- BE POSITIVE IN LIFE

Comment by Barbara Giberson on February 3, 2010 at 3:13pm

I PRAY!! It's awesome. It's rare that I get stressed but sometimes I feel anxiety start to hit so I pray it off and begin praising our Lord Jesus Christ. Since I have learned to give my LIFE over to the Lord I have become a new person in many ways. EATING healthy is key to being stress free too so I eat as much vegetarian as possible, very little junk. POSITIVE mental input, the words to MUSIC do matter so I listen to Christian Contemporary and I READ the love letter from our CREATOR. He is so beautiful!

Comment by V on February 3, 2010 at 2:42pm

I think everyone has covered it...a change of scenery, be it a new place to walk, a new yoga class, diversion of any sort. Many studies support the benefits of dance even over other sports, especially with a partner, as dance not only has a physical compenent, but a social one and a mental one (remembering patterns). I teach a dance aerobics class, and let me tell you that when I'm busy shaking body parts, there's no time to be stressed!
I love people's comments about friends. When I'm my busiest and most stressed, it's always the joy and laughter shared with good friends that gets me through it.

Comment by omshanti on February 3, 2010 at 2:36pm

I really love doing yoga and meditation, they have been my main source of peace for the past 17 years. The other things i like to do are laughter yoga (it looks really silly, but it creates endorphins and increases oxygen intake which leads to a heightened sense of wellbeing), walking or running in the forest, socialising with other raw vegan friends, and doing things that will make other people laugh.

Comment by Paradise on February 3, 2010 at 2:17pm

My top ways to relieve stress are: running, especially outside in the sunshine, turning off my cell phone and reading or watching tv, or hanging out with good friends.

Comment by Danica on February 3, 2010 at 2:15pm

Running, hiking, and cooking. I love the creativity that can be used in the kitchen!

Comment by Sarah V on February 3, 2010 at 4:58am

These are the things I do to relieve stress:

Exercise - I love running and find it very theraputic
Healthy eating and plenty of sleep - so obvious but so many people don't prioritise them
Yoga & Meditation - deep breathing is the key
Think about the great things I have in life - amazing family, BF, friends, home and job
Dancing - it's hard to stay stressed after a good dance session
Laugh - when my BF and I are being silly together, laughing is the best!

Comment by Jürgen on February 3, 2010 at 2:29am

Most stress I have is work-related. I get very short deadlines to get my work done. Instead of spending my lunch break in a boisterous cafeteria, I go outside to walk for about 25 minutes in a park with a lot of trees, bushes, ... Afterwards I feel much better and have no stress.

I'm inside most of my day, so it feels great to go outside. Whether it is to run, walk, bike, or just being in nature and enjoying nature's beauty, I feel great afterwards.

Two important stress reducers in my life are thus nature and exercicing, and preferably the combination of both. On top of it eating a wholesome, vegan diet.

Comment by Velia on February 2, 2010 at 9:41pm

Managing stress can be different for everyone but I think we can all agree that a little cardio is essential. I workout 6x a week after work and on the weekends for fun :-) it's a routine i've gotten into for the past 3 years and it's stuck!

I love being able to go for a long run and just think things through and feel better, you always feel better after a workout.

Eating lots of fruits and veggies definitely helps me feel balanced, I try (it's hard) to stay away from too many carbs as I've realized that I tend to feel tired and heavy afterwards.

However, that's just managing stress. I do believe that we should reflect on what's causing this stress, and work towards solving the root of the "problem". Whether is from just having too many things going on, or unclear of certain paths in life, in the end we need to address the issue and work towards it! :-)

Here's what I would do:
1. Exercise
2. Don't take life to seriously! smile :-)
3. Sleep
4. Eat chocolate. lots. (jk) sorta!

Comment by N. on February 2, 2010 at 8:51pm

Each evening before going to sleep, when lying in bed, I do a few relaxing breaths & come up with several things to be grateful for that occurred during the day. I focus on the joy of those experiences - often simple things - & go off to a pleasant sleep. Waking up refreshed is very helpful in handling daily stressors. I also have a note on my desk that states "this too shall pass". A good reminder to not take myself, others or situations too seriously. It all comes & goes!

Comment by Anthony Torres on February 2, 2010 at 8:08pm

If you suffer from financial stress, I recommend going on a credit card spending spree on returnable items. Leave them in the trunk of your car. Wait a few days, and then return them all. Hopefully you'll discover that stuff is more hassle than it's worth, nevermind paying the bill.

As much as you should do something about stress, the best you can do is pre-exhaust yourself so the energy isn't there. Alas, if stress still hits, give up. Lay down. Watch either something funny or something so miserable your life looks awesome by comparison. In the end, the stress may not matter, and you only make it worse by struggling. It'll pass. So pass out to speed it along.
(Who judges these things? This uncertainty creates a lot of stress! Must... lay... down... watch... dvds...)

Comment by Janine Croxall on February 2, 2010 at 7:33pm

stress is definitely eased by a good few yoga sessions (I've been doing hot Moksha lately) and rockclimbing and soccer every week. Helps take the mind off of whatever might be pestering me at the time. Deep belly breathing for 5 to 10 minutes is a quick stabilizer too, and super portable...just breath!

Comment by JASON SHAW on February 2, 2010 at 7:17pm

Today I stopped in mid run ,looked around,and declared that I was very gratefull to be able to do what I am doing,and also thankfull for the sun shining and the surrounding trail and view .My mind was nice and at ease after that. I will do this now on a regular basis. I decided this year to focus on the "one thing" I had to do to reduce my overwehlming feeling of having so many projects . That is to only think of one,do it, cross it off the list , start the next but dont think about any others.

Comment by Loi-Natalie Laing on February 2, 2010 at 7:10pm

I think meditation is key in managing stress. It doesn't have to be complicated; just taking the time to notice your breath and being mindful of how you're feeling moment-to-moment has a tremendous impact.

Comment by Jeffrey Currier on February 2, 2010 at 6:32pm

I'm new to Vega and the community, so first let me say THANKS, what a great space to hang in! In my crazy, fast-paced NYC life, it's all about PERSPECTIVE. I write in a journal every morning, and have for many years - wow, like nearly 10 years now. In 2000, during a rough patch (turning 30, getting sober) I read a book called "The Artist's Way" and the author, Julia Cameron, promotes a discipline of writing "Morning Pages," 3 pages of non-stop "get your brain crud OUT of your head" to start each day fresh. Positive thinking can relieve plenty of stress, together with a fair dose of humility. And you HAVE to write by hand, not computer, because it forces you to slow down your thinking, and really let things unleash and work themselves out on the page. It has served me well, and I highly recommend it. But hell yeah, a good massage never hurts either!

Comment by Kaye Stain on February 2, 2010 at 6:11pm

First and Foremost, Great Nutrition (Mostly Raw), lots of green tea, and Daily Exercise, These are major in keeping my stress at bay. I always quit eating by 8:00, never overeat, and am in bed by 10:00, once again, so instrumental in keeping me happy. Lastly, almost daily after my a.m. shower, I do 1 set of basic Ayurvedic Yoga Poses along with 6 sets of sun salutations (I swear by these) for my sanity, plus they keep my body nicely toned and stretched. When I feel totally out of control, a quick abhyanga (oil massage) before shower, balanced breathing, and meditation, do the trick every time!!

Comment by Carl Johnston on February 2, 2010 at 5:59pm

The best way I find to reduce my stress levels is first and foremost by eating healthy. Besides that, two cups of Matcha Green Tea most days help with my stress and a nice hot bath before bed, just let all that stress seep away! Also I have started taking Rholida Rose to help with my body's stress levels.

Comment by Lily-Anna on February 2, 2010 at 5:53pm

The best stress reducer for me are things that help me be more productive and see results. The better I treat my body through sleep, exercise and food, the more productive I am and the better I feel. I like to make a list and then put the things that I have to do on a calendar and spread them out. One big thing per day and consistent smaller things everyday. Seeing my productivity really helps me not to be so overwhelmed and helps me to break down the mountain of things I need to do into a progressive list. Also I try to simplify: I reflect on the things that are most important to me- right now and in the long run, and I focus my time and energy on those, rather than getting wrapped up in the things that do not matter so much or the things I cannot change right now. I am a university student, music teacher, german tutor, fine dining server and I also volunteer in a gr. 6 classroom every week. I still manage to find time to exercise daily and eat right, and am finding balance in my schedule by following these guidelines.

Comment by Cheryl on February 2, 2010 at 5:28pm

Obviously, regular exercise, good sleep habits, and good nutrition are the big 3 stress reducers! Talking to friends, volunteering, and indulging in my favorite hobbies also help me manage my stress. And, for work and home, tackling the hardest tasks first is key to avoid the dread and procrastination. Finally, I try to be thankful every day for just how fortunate I am in life!

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