dealing with stress over events you have no control over (without using food)

poet_kelly
on 9/16/12 4:02 am - OH
Well, I believe there is something I can do about most things.  No, I can't fix the general economy and no, I can't end wars in distant places.  But I can look at how I spend money and how I could save money, and I can look at how I live in ways that are peaceful or how I could be more peaceable in my daily life.  I do believe that the actions of one individual have an impact.

I also practice mindfullness and living in the moment.  At one point in my past I did a lot of Zen meditation and that was very helpful.

View more of my photos at ObesityHelp.com          Kelly

Please note: I AM NOT A DOCTOR.  If you want medical advice, talk to your doctor.  Whatever I post, there is probably some surgeon or other health care provider somewhere that disagrees with me.  If you want to know what your surgeon thinks, then ask him or her.    Check out my blog.

 

Cicerogirl, The PhD
Version

on 9/16/12 1:21 pm - OH
I used to do almost daily meditation.  Have not for several years, though.  Good thought.

Lora

14 years out; 190 pounds lost, 165 pound loss maintained

You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.

NHPOD9
on 9/16/12 4:33 am
I'm an avoider, which probably isn't the best method of coping.  

For example, I prefer to read my news or listen to it on the radio instead of watching television, as sometimes images just get stuck in my head and I have a hard time dealing with that.  

I also try and keep negativity out of my life.  While I might be "friends" with someone on Facebook, for example, I may never see their posts, as I have blocked their negativity from my life.

 

~Jen
RNY, 8/1/2011
HW: 348          SW: 306          CW:-fighting regain
    GW: 140


He who endures, conquers. ~Persius

H.A.L.A B.
on 9/16/12 5:31 am
 I try many methods. When the stress get to me I get acupuncture or massage. Some meditation helps.  There are days that I allow myself to eat it out. But I would only eat foods that are anyway on my very restricted menu : proteins protein shakes nuts cheese.... and carbs at not on he list ... so worst damage I do is getting really full.
I also can call my friends and go see them.
There were a few days with a really bad stress that I chose to have wine.  I went and bough a small bottle and had 2 glasses. . 2 glasses are enough to make me drank bu nt too much to make me sick.   As long as i dont do that mor that once in while - and get rid of any wine so i don drink more tht 2 glasses - that helps me deal with some stress and tension. 

Hala. RNY 5/14/2008; Happy At Goal =HAG

"I can eat or do anything I want to - as long as I am willing to deal with the consequences"

"Failure is not falling down, It is not getting up once you fell... So pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again...."

OH2012
on 9/16/12 6:21 am - OH
I do worry about our futures, as people's cir****tances continue to decline and while crime continues to climb.

I have to re-focus on my faith. For me, when I take my eyes off of what is most important, then I get overwhelmed by the things in the world around me - and those challenges become my focus. So, I have to change my thoughts, in spite of what is the reality around me.
Larry Wassmann
on 9/16/12 6:26 am - Lacey, WA
RNY on 05/09/12
Find a quiet place in your home or outside if the weather is nice. A place where the outside world can be shut out except the sounds of nature. If in you home, no TV, no radio, not even any music as that will let your mind wander to the music. Breath deeply a few times and then just sit there and think of how lucky and happy you are. Really you are lucky. Try to think of 5 things you are grateful for. Take this time every day just for you. I like to sit on my deck in the sun and think of all the people who love me and who I am grateful to know and love back. Works for me. 

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BWB
on 9/16/12 12:40 pm
  I have plenty of stress over the stock market because that is how we pay our bills. It is a daily roller coaster.  I have stress frequently with two adult sons w/wives.  Our church that is going through a time of transition and needs financial help.  The national campaign is totally out of control as are the news media.  The general population is rude and combative.....

My relationship to food is separate and I put it in a box of it's own. :-)  It is in the same compartment with my new clothes.  It is a "happy" box...gift wrapped.  There are new foods and recipes that I can create.  My garden is a refuge, not just for birds and wild life but for me and friends.  The house is filled with good music and I always have ideas for decorating and improvements.  When the stress gets to be too much in one place I take a break and go into the good box.  Living is an art.
               
Cicerogirl, The PhD
Version

on 9/16/12 1:09 pm - OH
 I spent part of both days this weekend putting in a rose bush, some ferns, and some flower bulbs.  My knee is killing me now, but it did enable me to shut off my mind from all the worry and just focus on the dirt and the sunshine and the cooler air.  I have a shipment of about 50 more bulbs coming any day now, so hopefully as I spread out the planting of those (because of my knee) it will give me some more times of mental stress relief.

Lora

14 years out; 190 pounds lost, 165 pound loss maintained

You don't drown by falling in the water. You drown by staying there.

Carol S.
on 9/16/12 2:14 pm - Milwaukee, WI
 Gratitude journal and the Serenity Prayer.

There are just so many things I can't control and when I gave up trying I became so much more free.
Carol

SW/276 CW 150 GW 185

9 Years out.
            
cajungirl
on 9/16/12 3:56 pm
Interesting thread, Lora. As someone that has control issues within my home and work environment, I've had to really focus on what I can control and what things I just really have to let go of. For me, stress totally clamps my pouch down. One or two bites max and there is NO way to force nutrition in. I've had to resort to proteins shakes at various times. 

My favorite spot to decompress from life stressors is  sitting outside on the porch in total quietness. I live in a country setting. Today I had to deal with something that was really difficult knowing I was hurting someone with my decision. It wasn't intentional in any way, yet I cried for several hours knowing it affected that person. What did I do?  Grab a cigarette (yeah not healthy) a cup of coffee and retreated to my safe place. 

This evening I feel better realizing choices can be difficult and I couldn't control the situation any better than I did. My pouch is still not letting up and will require some creative eating for a day or two. 

Proximal RNY Lap - 02/21/05

 9 years committed ~  100% EWL and Maintaining

www.dazzlinglashesandbeyond.com

 

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