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Delwin's elevator ride
There are several strategies I use for lifting my mood and slowing my cognitive processes and physiological arousal. Among them are prayer and meditation, controlled breathing exercises, walking (preferably with my dogs) , 12 step meetings, and music. Though out this last week I have felt the stress of deadlines. As a result I have had an opportunity to all of these techniques. I feel fortunate as a recovering addict I have had cause to examine the threat of stress to my recovery. The first thing I have had to learn is how I manifest stress. For me it seems there is an unlimited list. I think among the most common are my rumination, frustration, short temper/anger are just a few. When I find myself feeling tense the first think I have learned is to stop and take several deep breaths in 1234 hold 1234 out 1234 hold 1234 repeat. As I continue to do this I often use the tense and release exercise. This is where I tense and relax different areas of my bodies one after the other. This works to help me reduce both my Physical and mental stress. I also try to stop several times a day and turn my attention to nature sky and earth and just give thanks for being alive this always help put things in perspective. I also find the fellowship of friends in and out of my 12 step program reminds me that stress/pain shared is lessened. I will often put one of my ceremonial Cds in and sing along I have learned that music is medicine. As I seem to be very vulnerable to stress I use these strategies often (daily).
Delwin - it seems to me that you really know yourself especially when it comes to stress. I can only speak for myself that usually I am knee deep in stressful situation before in dawns on me that I am stressed. Hopefully, that makes sense to you. I really like how you have taught yourself to stop with the 1234 hold breathing technique, it sounds like a technique that I would also be inclined to use. I would agree with you, that when I stop and turn my attention to nature especially to the sky when the sun is setting, I gives thanks for a beautiful day and am grateful for all that is given to me. One question I had, do you teach others in your 12 step meetings how to calm themselves or to stop when they feel stress? It is worth sharing. Thanks Delwin.
Lisa, Thanks for you comments. To answer your question meetings are about sharing experience, strength, and hope. How they relate to recovery. So I don't know if teach is the word I would use. I have shared how dangerous stress is my recovery. How important it is for me to recognize it and manage it. I feel I am getting a little better at recognizing and dealing with stresses as they accrue in my life. I wish I wasn’t so darn good at creating stress. I have much to learn about time management. Again thanks Delwin
Wow. Nice job Delwin. You managed to incorporate these techniques into your day much more than I was able to. I feel inspired to make a better effort in my own life.
Also, thanks for being so open about your life. I really liked the different methods you used, I think I might have to steal a few and use them myself.