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Ask HN: Tips for handling chronic stess?

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Re: Ask HN: Tips for handling chronic stess?

#11

Post by axljjn »

oblib wrote: post #8

You might look into talking walks in a local forest preserve if you have one nearby. There's a name for this as it applies to relieving stress, "Forest Bathing" which is based on the Japanese practice of "shinrin-yoku". I started doing this back in the mid `80s in Los Angeles because I was stressed something awful. I can say it does work for me and I noticed it right away. That was long before I heard about shinrin-y…

This reminds me of a time I sat outside a cabin in Big Bear looking at the snowy mountain range. It was crazy how vast and white it was. Maybe I just need to go outside.

Re: Ask HN: Tips for handling chronic stess?

#12

Post by marban »

axljjn wrote: post #7
thm wrote: post #2

- Early to bed, at least 7h of sleep - Daily 60-90min workout first thing in the morning - One day every ~14 days without Internet - Turn off inbound info streams as much as possible - Write down the three most important things of the day on a piece of paper - Get rid off any to-do list if possible - Get a hobby that involves working with your hands - 15min walk after lunch - Make room for an hour of fun, low mental-…

Definitely going to try walking. It helped the times I do it. I just forget to do it. Any reason why you picked those supplements?

For lowering Cortisol.

Re: Ask HN: Tips for handling chronic stess?

#13

Post by vbsteven »

> Should I just play through the pain?

If your body gives you signals it is at or over capacity it is generally a good idea to listen.

I was in a similar situation in April 2020, I first thought I could get by by reducing client projects to just one so I could "power through" the summer. Using weed after hard days to stop my head from spinning so I could sleep. The result was that by September I was in a way worse situation than April. I took a break for 6 months, just started working part-time again a few weeks ago and I'm still struggling to adapt.

Playing through the pain is fine for short bursts. But a human body and mind has limits and can only be pushed so far. I'm always happy to talk for 30-60 minutes in a video call about these kinds of issues if you want to. (I know being able to talk to others with similar issues was really helpful to me)

Re: Ask HN: Tips for handling chronic stess?

#14

Post by veidelis »

I'd recommend cardio workouts with stretching/cooldown routine, for example, Fitness Blender on youtube. Also, for me it helped to understand that relaxation in some circumstances can be an active engagement action where you have to "remind your muscles to relax". marban's comment seems on point to me, too.

Re: Ask HN: Tips for handling chronic stess?

#15

Post by axljjn »

vbsteven wrote: post #13

> Should I just play through the pain? If your body gives you signals it is at or over capacity it is generally a good idea to listen. I was in a similar situation in April 2020, I first thought I could get by by reducing client projects to just one so I could "power through" the summer. Using weed after hard days to stop my head from spinning so I could sleep. The result was that by September I was in a way worse si…

The signals I get are weird. Sometimes I feel guilty for not getting enough work done so I compensate by doing chores or other low-priority things.

I’m going to try my best to power through. Mostly because I think I can get through it, but also for financial reasons. I might DM you about that call if I remember tomorrow. I’ve been honest about what I’m going through when I talk to friends, but none seem to understand what it’s like. I really appreciate the offer.

Re: Ask HN: Tips for handling chronic stess?

#16

Post by axljjn »

veidelis wrote: post #14

I'd recommend cardio workouts with stretching/cooldown routine, for example, Fitness Blender on youtube. Also, for me it helped to understand that relaxation in some circumstances can be an active engagement action where you have to "remind your muscles to relax". marban's comment seems on point to me, too.

I have been getting up at the desk more often and working with the dumbbell I keep nearby. It has definitely helped. I’ll try doubling down.

Re: Ask HN: Tips for handling chronic stess?

#18

Post by ntlk »

There’s some good advice here on sleep, exercise etc. which is likely to start being helpful straight away. The impact of exercise can be especially quick.

But for me starting therapy provided a way to address the reasons behind the chronic stress in the first place. For example, it might be worth asking yourself why you feel guilt when you take time to rest.

Re: Ask HN: Tips for handling chronic stess?

#19

Post by oblib »

axljjn wrote: post #11
oblib wrote: post #8

You might look into talking walks in a local forest preserve if you have one nearby. There's a name for this as it applies to relieving stress, "Forest Bathing" which is based on the Japanese practice of "shinrin-yoku". I started doing this back in the mid `80s in Los Angeles because I was stressed something awful. I can say it does work for me and I noticed it right away. That was long before I heard about shinrin-y…

This reminds me of a time I sat outside a cabin in Big Bear looking at the snowy mountain range. It was crazy how vast and white it was. Maybe I just need to go outside.

We, as a society, are bombarded with things that are distressing and the past year has been just over the top with stressful noise.

I made a point to get outside and away from the constant stress I was experiencing back in the `80s. I was lucky to live near Malibu Creek St Park when it first opened. The first few years almost no one went there and in the winter and early spring it was green and lush and the creek was running and for the most part I had it all to myself.

I noticed right away how much better I felt after spending even just a few hours there. It let me get rid of the grinding tenseness and truly calm down and relax. It was so noticeable that at first I kind of felt guilty afterwards for taking time for myself. But then I realized there was more to it than that. It's not just mental, it's a very physical difference in how you feel. It's replenishing something that's lacking physically. That's the best way I can describe it.

Re: Ask HN: Tips for handling chronic stess?

#20

Post by vbsteven »

axljjn wrote: post #15
vbsteven wrote: post #13

> Should I just play through the pain? If your body gives you signals it is at or over capacity it is generally a good idea to listen. I was in a similar situation in April 2020, I first thought I could get by by reducing client projects to just one so I could "power through" the summer. Using weed after hard days to stop my head from spinning so I could sleep. The result was that by September I was in a way worse si…

The signals I get are weird. Sometimes I feel guilty for not getting enough work done so I compensate by doing chores or other low-priority things. I’m going to try my best to power through. Mostly because I think I can get through it, but also for financial reasons. I might DM you about that call if I remember tomorrow. I’ve been honest about what I’m going through when I talk to friends, but none seem to understand…

No pressure, I just want to let you know the option is there if you want it (and that counts for other HN users as well). Contact details are in my profile.

I recognize the guilt feelings. Be careful of vicious cycles related to this. For me feeling guilty about not being productive or honoring commitments was a huge factor in not being able to sleep. And not being able to sleep well impacted productivity the next day, leading to more guilt feelings and less sleep. At some point social activity can be impacted as well leading to isolation.

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