Stress Relief

[trekchic]

Ok, we've discussed the fact that cycling helps me cope with depression.......and honestly it's still a daily battle. I have discovered that riding, for me, is a HUGE stress reliever! I am part owner of a business that ties me up in knotts 23/7! I've got waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much on my plate at the moment and my therapist says when I feel overwhelmed or stressed out, I need to find a physical or spiritual outlet. I thought about that for a moment and decided that anything that draws on the strength of my body helps to alleviate stress! I've tested it.....I am on call this week, which means I am working 24/7 until next Monday @ 7:30 a.m.........and am unable to drop everything and just ride and I feel like a bundle of nerves! I'm ready to explode at any moment. I decided that I am going to ride in the morning, even for 30 min's, whether it makes me late for an appt or not! I need it!

[trekchic]

ps..........I allow myself 1 hour a day to not be tied up in knotts! I forgot to say that when I typed 23/7! I try not to let work get to me for at least an hour a day!

[JanT]

It's tough to not get caught up in the hectic everyday rat race. It really is important to carve a space in each day for ourselves. I've often felt selfish going for a run or a ride, like I'm shirking duties or something, even though I'm not, really. I have to remind myself the I am important, that I deserve to take care of myself, and that I need to have some fun in my life in order to remain healthy. I can talk myself out of feeling guilty by justifying the exercise as something that will help me be better able to do the things that must get done. Later, when I think about it, I realize that this really is true. It's OK to have fun, it's important to have balance, and it's fair to treat myself well.

I hope you keep riding regularly, and that you find your peace.

[bounceswoosh]

What JanT says is true.

I had a martial arts teacher who used to talk about taking care of number one. He said, if you don't take care of number one, you're actually letting down all the people who depend on you, because eventually, you're going to crash, and when you do, they won't have you to lean on.

So take care of yourself. Do what it takes. I know lots of people who ride on-call with a pager; surely no one expects you to just sit by the phone waiting for an emergency? Can you just bike around your local neighborhood, so that you're close to your car in case something comes up?

[yogabear]

I know this might sound corny, but even taking five minutes in the morning before you start your day could help. It really helps me. I used to beat myself up all the time for not taking the time for myself and I am not a very good passive meditator, so I started taking a five minute time out for myself in the morning to just breathe, close my eyes, and become centered for the day.

I always schedule my yoga classes every week before anything else (I agree, you have to put yourself first :) I try to apply those principles from class to every day life (just becoming aware of my breath helps me even in Detroit rush hour traffic). I have learned from my yoga practice that even with chaos all around me and even while feeling overwhelmed, it is possible for me to remain calm, balanced and centered (believe me, it took some work!, but it's possible).

I really like the Joan Borysenko books (and possibly CD's?) on Inner Peace for Busy People (I think she even has one specifically for women). Maybe you could check it out.

Also, may I give another recommendation? I absolutely love the Bach Flower Essences. They are a safe, natural way to balance emotions, stress, etc. I especially like Rescue Remedy made by them. You can get them at any health food store or on-line, etc. I think the Nelson Bach website has questionnaires so you can pick which remedies you would like to use. My family and I have used them for years with awesome results.


O.k., enough of my two cents. I hope you can find the stress relief you need, as well as find the time to get on your bike (I jokingly refer to my bike time as 'cycle-therapy'...sorry, I have a very bad sense of humor...years ago, my one MSW counselor thought it was funny ;)

Sincerely,

Yogabear

P.S. Go book yourself an hour relaxation massage too! It's an hour vacation for body, mind, and soul :)

[ACG]

Time for yourself. Amen. Last night I tried to go run at the local HS track and my hubby (who is home due to an accident) had me sit and look at houses on the internet in Las Vegas. I've told him dozens of times, I'm not moving to Las Vegas and I've told him dozens of times, I NEED to run 2-3 times a week, I NEED to cycle everyday! He doesn't know what boundries are. He knew I was mad.

You may have to force the time for yourself. Ride with your beeper. Ride in the house with a trainer and walkman. Lift weights at home for 20 minutes.

Cycling is my therapy.