OT Dealing with stress and anxiety

Discussion in 'Blazers OT Forum' started by PCmor7, Jun 16, 2025.

  1. PCmor7

    PCmor7 Generational Poster

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    I'm sure I've touched on this here and there, but quality of life and emotional wellness have become big focuses in my life. I almost quit college during orientation because a bullying situation from a HS teacher got out of hand and made it to the point where I was having trouble functioning in large groups. I beat it as much as one can with the help of some friends and professors, but, since then, I've made it a big focus of any relationship to try to help others from having to face what I did. I posted this on my FB the other day to assist anyone that might be dealing with high-stress levels.

    1. Take a deep breath, or maybe several. And concentrate on that while you do it. It's a stress reliever. And do that before anything else, so you are responding, not reacting.
    2. Also, concentrate on relaxing one muscle. If you can, concentrate on a second and a third after that.
    3. Stretch. And breathe or count when you do. That puts your mind on something simple and takes it off what's causing your stress.
    4. Take a quick nap. A half-hour. Even 15 minutes. Your body is like a battery. Rest and sleep recharge it. And stress and anxiety steal your charge. This will replenish it. Napping's underrated.
    5. Do something physical. Lift something. Do jumping jacks. Even a little bit of this releases endorphins. You'll feel energized and better self-esteem. You'll trust yourself more when you make your decision or take your action and feel more confidence that you're doing the right thing.
    6. Turn on some music that hits. Depending on who you are, it can be a hype track or a soothing one. Concentrate on the beat and the way it makes you feel. Or read something that makes you feel good. Maybe a passage from a book or a card or letter you got from someone close to you that puts you into a positive frame of mind.
    7. Do something tedious or routine or something you do well. Do a little yard work or cook something. That serves two purposes. It takes your mind off the anxiety and burns off nervous energy. It also gives you a win to build your confidence before attacking the problem that's got you stressed.
    8. Purge the task at hand from your mind. You've probably overthought it. Your brain knows the pros and cons by now, and anything else is overthinking and that's going to be counterproductive. I did this before every exam I took in college and graduated with honors. Clear the mechanism, and by that I mean your brain. Get rid of the extra junk you've been thinking. When you're asked the question, your brain will recall the correct answer.
    9. Now that you've cleaned out everything else, trust your intuition. You're calm, poised. You aren't acting impulsively or out of fear. You're in control. You know what's right, so just do it and don't spend any energy being worried about the outcome. You finally acted and you acted from a good place. More often than not, you'll feel accomplished from doing so.

    Have a great day.
     
  2. crandc

    crandc Well-Known Member

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    Walk
    Knit
    Pet a cat

    A lot of despair but truly going to protest is a mood lifter as it shows we are not alone.

    You know, I don't like the word bullying because it makes it sound like kid stuff. I call it abuse.
     
  3. Everything Beagle

    Everything Beagle Local Trans Icon

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    Yell at a mod or two. Works every time!
     
  4. Phatguysrule

    Phatguysrule Well-Known Member

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    Isn't that what they're here for?
     
  5. Everything Beagle

    Everything Beagle Local Trans Icon

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    And so much cheaper than therapy!
     
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  6. Hoopguru

    Hoopguru Well-Known Member

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  7. PCmor7

    PCmor7 Generational Poster

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    Maybe Sly should market those stress balls in the image of the mods. Or those air-filled punching bags we had when I was little, except they can be mods instead of Bozo the Clown.
     
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  8. JFizzleRaider

    JFizzleRaider Yeast Lords Global Moderator

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    Why are you singling out @UncleCliffy'sDaddy
     
  9. Strenuus

    Strenuus Global Moderator Staff Member Global Moderator

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    Im well aware.
     
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  10. UncleCliffy'sDaddy

    UncleCliffy'sDaddy We're all Bozos on this bus.

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    I think he understands that we're all bozos on this bus....er, message board......
     
  11. riverman

    riverman Writing Team

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    Masturbate followed by a half hour nap. That'll cure any panic attack or stressful anxiety. Not more than 4 times a day and you'll be fine. PM me if you need to know where to send the check.
     
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  12. crandc

    crandc Well-Known Member

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    Bake a cake. Invite someone to come over and help you eat it.
     
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  13. Shaboid

    Shaboid Well-Known Member

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    This is the way
     
  14. SharpeScooterShooter

    SharpeScooterShooter SharpeShooter

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    There should probably be a global relief center. This globe alone creates so much stress and anxiety…
     
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  15. JFizzleRaider

    JFizzleRaider Yeast Lords Global Moderator

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    That's a lot of viagra man. Not good for the heart.
     
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  16. Phatguysrule

    Phatguysrule Well-Known Member

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    No Viagra needed. Just pure porn.
     
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  17. crandc

    crandc Well-Known Member

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    Crap. Don't men have imagination? Viagra, porn. Unnecessary.
     
  18. Phatguysrule

    Phatguysrule Well-Known Member

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    Screenshot_20250617_112312_X.jpg
     
  19. THE HCP

    THE HCP NorthEastPortland'sFinest

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    My work is unbelievably stressful. I’m at a point now in my career where it doesn’t get to me…..I believe the only stress I have in my life is making sure the bills are paid and my kids are safe. That said, the only time I feel completely stress free with no anxiety is when I’m sitting on the porch with my dogs watching the sunset with some smooth tunes playing quietly. That or on a beach with the wife on the north shore of Kauai watching the sunset. If I could somehow combine the 2, I think I’d ride the rest of my days out that way.
     
  20. Everything Beagle

    Everything Beagle Local Trans Icon

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    Oh I know.
     

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