What are your go-to strategies for managing stress in your life? Training in stress management techniques have long been a part of the Structure House program because handling stress effectively is a critical skill for the promotion of healthy living, which leads to a healthy weight.
We surveyed Structure House staff to learn how they manage their lifestyles to keep stress at bay. Read on for some ideas that might provide inspiration to explore what works best for you!
“At the end of my day I go on a 20-minute walk on a wooded path near my home. It helps me to let go of the business of the day and to reconnect to my own practice of self-care.” Erin Risius, CEO
“I play guitar, play with my dog Sophie and regularly use the elliptical and lift weights in the morning.” Lee Kern, LCSW, former Clinical Director
“I go outside for a run or walk, talk to family members and cook healthy meals.” Ben White, Staff Dietitian
“I just take a moment to sit and breathe. I lie in bed with my eyes closed and simply try to clear my mind.” Pamela Bass, Participant Services Director
“When I am pressed for time I do a “Yoga Walk;” 45-minute, core yoga (combination of sun salutations) and a two mile walk with my dogs at a quick pace when possible.” John Beverly, Executive Chef
“I walk three miles on the Duke Trail several times per week after work. Walking clears my head and it’s my meditation time. Also, I do yoga at least once a week. I love gardening and try to plant flowers that have good fragrances. Aromatherapy is very stress-relieving for me. Finally, bubble baths and a good book work for me too!” Sandy Falcone, Director of Admissions
“I start my day with an exercise class (spinning or weight training). Getting out of my head and into my body helps me stay balanced!” Katie Rickel, PhD, Staff Therapist
“The main thing I do as a stress reliever is to take walks. I have at least five routes that I like to walk on in the local area. I also like quilting and more recently some needlepoint.” Nancy Freeman, RN, Nursing Director
“My favorite way to reduce stress is walking outside. I also love to listen to music which sometimes prompts a spontaneous 3-minute dance party. Diving into a really good book with a nice cup of tea is also a favorite.” Julie Price, Marketing Manager
“Depending on time and space, I may practice meditation, go out for a walk, read a crime or spy mystery, watch a comedy, or look through pictures of my granddaughter. “ Shula Lazarus, PhD, Staff Therapist
“Jazzercise! For me, it’s as much about the stress management as it is the physical exercise. I find a community of people from all different backgrounds, lifestyles, perspectives coming together for a shared enjoyable activity. It puts me in my body, more of a sensory experience than a cognitive experience, which is really important when I’m not at work.” Jen Pells, PhD, Clinical Director
“My favorite and most effective way to de-stress is to take a walk outside with no headphones or cell phone.” Alicen Cisco, Exercise Specialist
“I get outside for a bike ride, to walk my dog, or to just sit on the front porch in a rocker and read. I also do calming yoga poses to relieve stress, like forward bends, twists, and restorative poses. If I don’t have time to do any of this, I do some deep diaphragmatic breathing, elongating my exhales. Doing this for even a minute helps me to stay calm in the midst of chaos.” Geri Nelson, LCSW, Staff Therapist
“Movement is what I do for a living, so reducing stress for me is more about learning to manage my behaviors. Worrying about things not under my control creates stress so I try to identify my triggers and stop myself before going down that stress path. Also, I like to make a list of the things that are bothering me, pray about them, and then face the ones within my control head on.“ Matt Kepley, MS, Exercise Director
As you can see, stress management is not a “one-size-fits-all” endeavor. Further, what works for some, may not work for others. Experimenting with a variety of strategies to deal with stress is an important step to learning how to better take care of ourselves before, during and after the stress hits. The key is to build a repertoire of options from which to choose from, and to try and enjoy the process!
What stress management strategies work for you? Leave us a comment below and share your techniques.
