How do you handle stress? The stress of a test, a due date, an unbelievably long bout of writer's block? I had planned on writing about another topic (which is pushed off until tomorrow), but a lingering headache stole the spotlight. The truth is that I've been horribly stressed ever since I decided to take the GREs. I've lost sleep (and resorted to sleeping pills). I've had headaches almost everyday. My stomach was trying to kill me this past weekend.
Aside from not studying, which sounds appealing to me, what else can I do? Take more breaks? But then I won't remember all those words I want to remember. Maybe I should do some yoga? I haven't exercized lately, and it might help. One can only hope. In one of the study guides I was reading last night, I read that if I make the GREs more of a challenge, more of a game, I might do better. Do you think I can change my mindset in time (by October 17th aka Doomsday)? Maybe the more I joke about it, the easier my heart will feel. Because lately, any time I think of the test, my chest tightens. Why am I so worried? It's not life and death. It's not THE most important part of my applications either. And it's not like I can't take it again (and shell out $150 to retake, ugh). I guess I'm being a little irrational, but then again, aren't some fears just that?
Read a good book. Go dancing. Have a glass of wine. Okay, with your stress level . . .have multiple glasses of wine. Pet the cat. Pet the dog. Take the dog for a walk at the park. Go for a walk by yourself. : )
ReplyDeleteNormally, the more stress, the more bonding time with my two cats and two dogs. For whatever reason, their unconditional love - wagging tales or loud purring - is an instant stress reliever.
If you don't have a dog/cat, then go to the pet store and see if they'll let you pet some of the animals there.
Best of luck!
S
Thanks! I have two cats, and they help in their own ways, although one has pretty much thought of me as a hopeless case and abandoned me for my roommate. But at least one comes running when I go to read in bed.
ReplyDeleteThat's so weird. When I was studying for my GREs, I developed stress induced asthma and had to go to the ER, where after a lot of tests they told me to carry a paper bag with me to breathe into. LOL
ReplyDeleteOh man, that really sucks, Jennifer! Hope you're much better now? I have about a week to go until the test, I'm try so hard to cope. I will be fine, I will be fine (maybe if I say it enough, I'll believe it?) :-)
ReplyDeleteI recommend two things:
ReplyDelete1. Try a routine. Whenever I'm REALLY stressed about stuff (I have five children, three of whom are adopted and special needs - I know stress, believe me) I sit down, print a calender, divide each day into 1 or 2 hour blocks. (boring, I know, that's why I don't do it all the time, just for a week/two weeks, whatever, when I'm maxed on stress)...anyway, write in what you're going to do each block. example: 7am - 9am get up, take a shower, eat breakfast, read blogs. 9am - 10am study, 10-11 exercise and meditation, 11-12, lunch, 12-1:00, study, etc...the point is, make a commitment to manage your time, then do it. Huge stress reliever. Ceremonially burn the calender when stress dissipates.
2. exercise minimum 45min each day (and I'm a curvy chick, I eat like a hog). seriously. it reduces stress and will help you sleep. just do it at the same time every day, and don't do it after 7pm. my exercise: I walk the dog for 20 min, then do light strength training with 5 lb weights for 10 min, then jump rope for 5 min. jumping rope is so fun, anyway. not a big psycho fitness routine, just fun stuff. i used to suffer HORRIBLY from insomnia (which causes headaches, btw) until I started exercising at the same time every day. Now I sleep like a baby (except when the cats terrorize me out of sleep, but that's another story.
Anyway, sorry for the long reply, but I've been there and done that and I can't stand to see another woman suffer through it. So, thems my two cents. : )
Liz
Thanks, Liz. I really need to exercise consistently. That is one thing I really think will help my confidence, sleep, and possibly headaches. But luckily, right now, I am not feeling too much stress. The test is officially one week away, and even saying that doesn't get my heart beating fast.
ReplyDeleteToday is the best day to change, so I'm gonna eat some food, relax a little and in the afternoon play wii fit and wii sports (it's rainy outside) for an hour. Sounds like a blast to me. Thanks again!