I notice a number of us on the board have been going through some tough times, which equals high stress, which equals more temptation to go off plan. How do you all cope? I know I can't put off weight loss till I have no stress in my life, since that simply isn't going to happen. There will always be stresses, just some will be large and some will be small, and most will be in between. Stressful events can also trigger a person who has lost weight to regain it by going back to old, unhealthy habits. So, what can we do?
My number one rule for stress is that in times of stress, I must take care of myself MORE than at other times. I must TRY to sleep at normal hours, eat healthy foods, be gentle with myself if I start to forget things, take time to exercise, pray, get sunshine, find time somehow to be alone and find my peace, watch my plants grow, take time to call a friend and go "Aughghghggh" -- We're all in this together. Basically, I must take good care of myself.
My number two rule is the serenity prayer -- "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." Some things I have no control over. Generally, these things have to do with other people. I have no control over others' feelings, reactions, actions. These things I must let go of. I do have control over my actions. Shall I react to a problem by eating? Will that help? No. What will help? Well, if there's something I can own that would resolve a relationship crisis, I can move to do that. If not, I can remove myself from the situation as much as possible so as not to be overwhelmed and drowned in it.
My number three rule is that stressful times are no time to be alone. It's good to post, or talk to someone if you can. I've found that in talking about things I have to deal with with others, that I'm not alone, that others have these same problems, and so it doesn't seem so horrible afterall.
How about you guys? How do you handle stress?