What helps you when you are down or stressed

What an excellent blog you have started.  I have enjoyed learning what others are doing to help alleviate their stress and anxiety.

As you know I am still very new to this and am yet to start chemo (Friday is D-Day).  However, as soon as I was diagnosed with BC I started a diary (Word Doc) where I could express all my thoughts and feelings, where I could vent.  I also saved all my messages and photos from FB and emails sent from friends and family. 

I also have a Gratitude Journal I keep on my bedside table and before I go to sleep I write five things I am grateful for and five things I want to do the following day that are unrelated to BC.

I also love the "Put the Glass Down" Quote:

Once, a professor began his class by holding up a glass with some water in it. He held it up for all to see and asked the students, 'How much do you think this glass weighs?' '1 pound!' ....'2 pounds!' .....'3 pounds!' ......the students answered.

'I really don't know unless I weigh it,' said the professor, 'but, my question is: What would happen if I held it up like this for a few minutes?' 'Nothing' the students said.

'OK what would happen if I held it up like this for an hour?' the professor asked. 'Your arm would begin to ache' said one of the students.
'You're right, now what would happen if I held it for a day?' 'Your arm could go numb, you might have severe muscle stress & paralysis; have to go to hospital for sure' ventured another student. All the students laughed.

'Very good. But during all this, did the weight of the glass change?' Asked the professor. 'No,' replied the students.' 'Then what caused the arm ache; the muscle stress?

Instead, what should I do?' The students were puzzled. 'Put the glass down' said one of the students. 'Exactly!' said the professor. 'Life's problems are something like this. Hold them for a few minutes in your head; they seem OK. Think of them for a long time; they begin to ache. Hold them even longer; they begin to paralyze you. You will not be able to do anything.'

This struck a chord with me.  I decided that I would use a photo I had taken of a glass of water and caption it "Put the Glass Down" and made it my PC's wallpaper.  I see this first thing in the day when I turn on my computer and the last thing at night when I turn it off.  It serves as a great reminder of how delibitating anxiety can become and to stop my negative thoughts.

I also walk most mornings for 45 mins and practice mindfullness and relaxation.   I do find if I don't do these things the following day is not so good for me.

Thank you Mich for starting this blog.  I have found it inspiring and nice to be reminded that we can all find some peace and contentment during this journey. 

Love

Joy xx