What Do You Do to Relieve Stress?

I tend to get my camera ready when I approach bridges because sometimes there is a spectacular view. I saw this sign several times approaching the Tappanzee Bridge on the way home from my vacation. I immediately felt guilty about having such a wonderful and relaxing week and wondered what it would be like to have so much stress that you felt compelled to jump off a bridge.

Sometimes I feel inept with helping patients whose stress has gone beyond what their body can handle. I recently had an alcoholic patient who was 49, jaundiced, bloated, ventilated and sedated. So young, so sad. She's what we call a frequent flyer (multiple admissions to the hospital due to chronic illness that is not well controlled). I will be surprised if she celebrates her 50th birthday. My other patient was admitted with palpitations and was put on a medication to prevent withdraw from alcohol because he drinks daily. There was some speculation that his racing heart was due to "holiday heart" (sometimes increased alcohol use can trigger rapid atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular fast heart rate).

I got to thinking how our habits are so entrenched that we don't care if we are killing ourselves as long as we get quick temporary relief from our stress. Alcoholics in particular, have it tough because their method of stress relief is more damaging to the body than any other. We all have habits that are automatic when we encounter stress, many that are harmful to the body, mind, and/or soul. I think we all could use help when trying to change habits. I found a free web-site called goalforit.com. It helps you to set goals and make positive changes. I struggle with simple things like drinking enough water and eating enough fruit (and grabbing junk food and coffee). I have a daily reminder set to my email and cell phone. I have been successful in uping my fruit intake and tackled being consistent with my daily vitamin. I have yet to incorporate a daily stress relief plan that includes consistent exercise, yoga, walking, biking or meditation. If you struggle with similar goals, sign up for goalforit.com and become friends with me there. We'll cheer eachother on!

Like the 12 step programs of AA or NA or GA or OA, etc., I think we need each other to help us not only achieve goals, but deal with everyday stress. If you are struggling with addiction, check out AA (or google whatever your addiction is) and find a meeting near you. There are even on-line meetings to get you started. Reach out and help yourself. Life is precious!