Has anyone found good, long-term methods for stress management?
I know I am stressed and I see the evidence - restless sleep, elevated WBC, worsening anxiety.
I, unfortunately, haven't found a good routine way to manage stress.
I know I am stressed and I see the evidence - restless sleep, elevated WBC, worsening anxiety.
I, unfortunately, haven't found a good routine way to manage stress.
Two things made it disappear: - Sport, even just running an hour a week stopped the palpitations - Magnesium supplements
It's bearable for me because it won't last more than two years. Over the long-term, I would suggest trying to fix the problem from the inside (therapy? meditation? switching jobs?).
Other than that it’s specific to your situation and what you can change. For me my job was the source of most of it so I switched to a chill but better paid position and now my life is in much more of a balanced state. One stressor tends to spill and cause tension with every other part of my life.
For me having kids was the wake up call that I need to make a change or crumble under the pressure. Easy choice in the end.
I was having stress related nightmares and inability to sleep, and now I sleep 8hrs reliably.
I have a Plex playlist that I play on shuffle for 8hours. There's about 30 days of content so it keeps my dreams fresh. They are all old episodes of TV shows I loved when younger. I listen only - never watch.
It works because you hear a familiar and comforting voice as you sleep. Sometimes you dream about the show - which can be funny.
For daytime stress, I use the technique I learned in the marines. Deep slow breathing. Four deep slow breaths tricks your monkey brain into thinking everything is ok.
Separate your life and your work if work stresses you out. There should be a clear line where you are at home and decompress.
Read a bit into mindfulness. You don't have to do all the exercises. But it's important to become aware of your stress factors.
Oh, and the usual exercise and eating healthier. A good workout really relaxes you mentally.
Having your actual job be outdoorsy can do wonders for mental health because you're pushed by work forces to do things that are good for you.
Obviously, if you're on HN, you probably won't be looking to do that kind of work long term because it won't be sufficiently mentally challenging or impactful, but it can be wonderful as a stress and mindset reset.
And maybe exercise, as others said.