What helps you when you are down or stressed

Thanks ladies for all of your ideas. I have had a bugger of a week emotionally and have found all of your comments inspiring. After seeing the psychologist yesterday i am going to start using some relaxation and meditation techniques. A warm bath sounds good as well (something I haven't done for months) . I really need to learn how to clear my mind. I also like the idea of a vison type board and focus on more positive aspects of my life.

Thanks again!

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

Give this a try and anything else the other girls offer up to get you through if you need it.

Sorry that you are here hun but hopefully you already know that we are all here for you.

Lots of love always, Mich xoxoxo

 

I started every day with a fresh juice, I love it and even if I couldn't eat I could manage that and it always made me feel good.

I am a tea drinker and I also collect vintage china, I started using that vintage china and would have my tea in a different delicate cup everyday, I so loved that and am still doing it.

I got referred to a great psychologist and for a while there I went weekly and talked and cried and spoke of the things I couldn't talk to my family about, honestly that was the best thing I did for myself.

I had long hot baths with the candles on, I read loads of book and I talked to my family daily.

I am very lucky as I am a fairly upbeat person but there was some very dark days last year and these things pulled me through.

At the end of last year I held a fundraiser for BCNA and that was so much fun and I loved the planning, that gave me something other than myself to concentrate on.

I do hope these things are helpful to others.

Donna

 

I was advised to do this when I was first diagnosed 12 years ago and it helped then as it does now. Buy or find a small box. Each day at about the same time write down your negative feelings and fears on strips of paper. Read them, fold them up , put them in the box and put it away. I had about 30 mins a day when I allowed myself to feel down but by writing the feelings down it seemed to compartmentalise them. After a while I found myself writing positive things and the negatives diminished. Perhaps it is the teacher in me but writing really helped then and helps now. Writing and exercise rule!

I was advised to do this when I was first diagnosed 12 years ago and it helped then as it does now. Buy or find a small box. Each day at about the same time write down your negative feelings and fears on strips of paper. Read them, fold them up , put them in the box and put it away. I had about 30 mins a day when I allowed myself to feel down but by writing the feelings down it seemed to compartmentalise them. After a while I found myself writing positive things and the negatives diminished. Perhaps it is the teacher in me but writing really helped then and helps now. Writing and exercise rule!

I get up in the morning before anyone else in the house.I do this 7 days a week.I love the peace and quiet of the early morning.I have a cup of tea and my brekky, then I always check the blog posts.I wonder will there come a day,when I don't do this,but for now I love to feel connected to people in similar situations,and I also like to think I can help others.After brekky,I walk 3 kilometres round a fitness trail near our house.In the afternoon I ride my bike,and in the early evening,I walk 2kilometres with my daughter or husband.Exercise makes me feel great,and clears my head and lifts my spirits.I have many sayings stuck on walls round the house,which have been there for ages for the kids that we foster .Now I find that they are helping me!I think that it takes time(and we are all different)and we shouldn't expect too much of ourselves.Recovery will happen in its own time.Love and positive thoughts to everyone.Love Robyn.xoxo

I get up in the morning before anyone else in the house.I do this 7 days a week.I love the peace and quiet of the early morning.I have a cup of tea and my brekky, then I always check the blog posts.I wonder will there come a day,when I don't do this,but for now I love to feel connected to people in similar situations,and I also like to think I can help others.After brekky,I walk 3 kilometres round a fitness trail near our house.In the afternoon I ride my bike,and in the early evening,I walk 2kilometres with my daughter or husband.Exercise makes me feel great,and clears my head and lifts my spirits.I have many sayings stuck on walls round the house,which have been there for ages for the kids that we foster .Now I find that they are helping me!I think that it takes time(and we are all different)and we shouldn't expect too much of ourselves.Recovery will happen in its own time.Love and positive thoughts to everyone.Love Robyn.xoxo

Thanks Mich, as I'm very new to this & still trying to even get my head around that i have BC it's so nice to read posts like yours. So positive thanku xx Theresa