<p>There are a lot of stressors in my life at the moment (I’m not the only one, I’m sure) and I need to find a non-chemical way to cope and relax. When I read about meditation I think it sounds horrifically boring. But then I also wonder whether it is essentially the same thing as prayer…and as a Christian type person, should I be “praying” rather than “meditating”?</p>
<p>If you’re cringing at my ignorance, please be kinds because, as I mentioned, there are a lot of stressors in my life at the moment!</p>
<p>Christians meditate. Google Christian meditation. There is also moving meditation or mindfulness as in yoga or tai chi or chi gung. You may find that less boring. Find a class or look online.</p>
<p>I have had a contemplative prayer practice several times in my adult life and found it valuable, but it takes a lot of patience. It can be very calming if you can really let yourself still your mind. There are some pretty good, simple books out there on contemplative prayer (basically a form of prayerful meditation).</p>
<p>Walking a labyrinth is also an excellent form of contemplative, meditative prayer, if you have access to one. I had access to one when I lived in Dallas.</p>
<p>Maybe I just need music to play in the background at work or at home that is not too distracting. Of course, if I built a labrynth in my office, it might be a cue for everyone to leave me the heck alone!!!</p>
<p>Either or or both whatever works. I’m no expert but meditating to me is quieting/ clearing your mind by deep breathing and focusing on a sound or phrase which will help decrease the physical symptoms of stress caused by elevated stress hormones whereas prayer can combine elements of meditation with an internal dialogue with a higher power that if you believe may help with the emotional symptoms of stress i.e.: fear, anxiety, sense of lack of control. I believe in the power of prayer myself so the 2 together would work for me. Exercise is also a good stress reliever.</p>
<p>Just FYI, at present my coping method involves snacking…sugar and caffeine. Which, of course, has to make me less calm. Things like wine and xanax just make me sleepy, not calm. </p>
<p>I do realize the value of exercise, but looking for something for the office, etc.</p>
<p>(Just discovered that Pandora is blocked at work.)</p>
<p>I downloaded about 30 minutes worth of rain songs (thunderstorms, rainstorms) from itunes and I listen to it with my eyes closed and try to slow down my breathing and become mindful (something I learned from yoga). I always thought I was wound too tight to meditate (I think I’m naturally caffeinated) but it helps.</p>
<p>Coloring is a great stress relaxer. Get crayons and a coloring book. The smell takes you back, and it’s mind freeing, you are just thinking how about i make the puppy purple and the tree pink.</p>
<p>And it keeps the hands busy so you won’t snack. And always have a bag of carrots grapes or pre cut apples with you. You can still snack but its healthy. Or sugar free mints gum lollypops</p>
If it’s at the office, it seems that focusing on work may be a relaxant for whatever stresses you have. The way to reduce stress is to not apply excess thought to the issues but rather, to put it out of your mind. You can sometimes do this by thinking it through logically, deciding what’s within your power or not to do, and then accepting that what’s beyond your power to control you may as well not stress over. If it’s within your power then you need to make a decision and move on.</p>
<p>Short of determining the power/decision you have, putting it out of your mind through various means can be helpful hence my suggestion to focus harder on work itself while at work. I don’t see how you can apply a lot of time meditating/praying/exercising, or anything else if you’re supposed to be working so you need to cope within those bounds.</p>
<p>However, exercise is a great overall stress reliever. Even when at work maybe you can take a few short 15 minute breaks and rather than using that time loading up on sugar, carbs, and caffeine, all of which will only exacerbate the stress (in addition to being bad for your body), head outside for a good walk or to the gym at work if you have one.</p>
<p>Pretend that you have relapsed into an old smoking habit, and get out of your building for several non-smoking breaks each day. Instead of actually smoking take a stroll around the block for a cigarette or two’s worth of time.</p>
<p>I have a relatively stressful job that places a lot of demands on my time, including lots of deadlines. I have handled it pretty well for almost three decades. What prompted my post today was being required to do something involving technology that doesn’t work all that well, with no training, on a tight time frame. That kind of thing makes me feel very hostile. I need something like a 60 second perspective and calm inducing exercise.</p>
<p>I have a similar job to yours, sounds like. Job + outside stressors pushed me right to the edge this past year! I have found the most helpful thing is yoga. It works for me. Especially the slow, meditative yoga. It ripples out into my work life and has helped me feel more relaxed–yin yoga teaches you to relax deeply, and (they say) teaches you to be able to access this calm at other times. It is working for me. Plus, I exercise a lot, walking, running, or swimming. Before and after work. (or as a break if I have to work late, as I often do when on deadline, which is to say ALWAYS). The exercise helps me release the built-up stress. </p>
<p>Sorry you’re under stress, missypie. Stress really sucks.</p>
<p>At work, I’ve been known to pray at my desk (they think I’m studying that spreadsheet!). If I need to get away from my work area, I’ve prayed in the ladies room or taken a 5-minute walk outside. I also have posted by my desk a couple of my favorite scriptures; I can glance at them without turning my head.</p>
<p>Before I even go to work, I have my best prayer session of the day in the shower. That’s 15 minutes every single morning free of distractions and interruptions, so God and I can have a good heart-to-heart. It fortifies me for the day ahead.</p>
<p>As for yoga…I tried it years ago. I have to be the least flexible able bodied person on the continent, if not the planet. It’s not just age and inactivity…back in elem and jr high when everyone wanted to be a cheerleader, I would spend the whole summer stretching and couldn’t get anywhere near the splits. Anyway, my attempt at yoga several decades only served to lower my self esteem. And don’t recommend a “beginners” class because that would make me feel even worse; after about two classes, the other beginners would be doing about 500% better than me.</p>
<p>Maybe just try visualizing something. I have a friend who calls it taking a mini vacation. Close your eyes and really imagine the beach. Smell the salt air, feel the coarse sand under your feet, the heat of the sun on your face…zzzz.</p>