| STICK TO A NORMAL ROUTINE. Stay on
a normal schedule for meals, sleep, and exercise. Exercise is the
best antidepressant and stress reliever. Eat nutritious food as junk
food depletes the body’s energy and nutritional resources. |
DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE. Avoid the
temptation to medicate your feelings with alcohol or drugs. Medicine
prescribed by your doctor and taken as prescribed may help to
temporarily take the edge off of overwhelming feelings but is not a
long-term solution.
|
| KEEP THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE.
Remember that what you are experiencing is the present circumstance,
not forever. As time passes and you consistently practice your coping
skills, the pain will subside and things will return to a more normal
state. They may never be exactly the same as before misfortune
struck, but your feelings and life will be manageable again. |
TAKE NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS.
Stress depletes the body’s nutritional resources and absorbability,
especially B vitamins. Symptoms of B vitamin deficiency closely mimic
symptoms of depression. Due to our farming and cultivating methods
and the general poor content of the typical American diet, food does
not provide an adequate supply of the vitamins and minerals to sustain
a healthy mind and body. |
| KEEP YOUR MIND OCCUPIED. Read
uplifting material, knit, garden, take a walk, watch a movie, play
with a child or pet, or visit friends. |
KEEP A JOURNAL.
Put your thoughts and
feelings down on paper. This helps you to process the intense
feelings. |
| EXPERIENCE AND EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS
APROPRIATELY. Repressed feelings do not go away. Feelings are
not right or wrong. You are entitled to have your feelings and
express them as long as you do not inflict unnecessary pain on others. |
KEEP YOUR ACTIONS PRODUCTIVE.
Thoughts and feelings are not the same as actions. Make sure your
actions are well thought through and productive. |
| AVOID NEGATIVE PEOPLE. Seek the
company of supportive people. If you can’t avoid negative people,
resolve not to engage in debates or arguments. Just accept that this
is where this individual is on their journey. |
SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP. An experienced
therapist can guide you through the turbulent emotional waters of
loss, grief, betrayal, and uncertainty and help you regain your sense
of self and confidence. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
|
|
USE POSITIVE SELF-TALK. Phrases such as,
“I can manage this. I’m O.K. I’m strong and resilient. I will make
the best of this situation.” help mobilize the mind’s healing
resources. |
MEDITATE. Focus on your breathing
while you gradually clear your mind of intrusive thoughts and relax
your body. Soothing music may enhance the experience. A few minutes
of meditation a day can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve
health, boost the immune system and reduce pain. |
| SING. Sing songs you learned at
church or summer camp. Sing with gusto. |
APPRECIATE HUMOR.
Read some jokes
or watch a comedy. Allow yourself to smile, laugh and celebrate good
humor. |
| TRY NOT TO BLAME. Blaming yourself
or others does not change the circumstances and increases feelings of
self-recrimination and hostility. |
GET A MESSAGE. Message reduces
stress and the touch of the message therapist’s hands has a healing
affect on the body. |
| BREATHE. Taking slow, deep breaths
oxygenates the body, removes toxins, and relaxes tense muscles. |
LISTEN TO INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
Save the Rap and heavy metal for less stressful times. |
