'Tis The Season For Stress

[Jesmcd2]

So how do you handle it? We all know that stress isn't good for us. And this time of yr can be EXTREMELY difficult. How do you deal with it? Any hints, tips or ideas? Let's help eachother out here

Jes♡

[erash]

Jesmcd2 Good question/topic. Here is what I try (emphasis on "try")

1. Have no preconceived expectations (this is a big one for holidays)

2. Don't compare with the past

3. Live in the moment

4. Meditate

5. Exercise and stay present when I'm exercising

6. Do something that is like meditation for me b/c of the total focus (paint)

7. Play solitaire

8. Chat with you all!

[erash in reply to erash]

Forgot pet neighbors' cats and dogs 🐱🐶

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to erash]

I try to meditate also. As in TRY ugh not so easy haha. I'm going to have to work on the living in the moment one l think this yr.

One thing that l did do this yr was to stay on a budget, and started shopping in October. So it's all done, l dont have that to worry about this yr.

I learned that one from last year.

[karenmbloom in reply to erash]

I paint as well. It is truly my escape.

[johnMSAA Partner]

It certainly is the season for it, Jesmcd2 - but these are some great tips so far.

We've been talking about dealing with Stress and family last month and this month on our MS Conversations blog. Here are a couple of recent posts that might be of interest to everyone on My MSAA Community - check them out!

blog.mymsaa.org/no-more-str...

blog.mymsaa.org/theres-no-p...

- John, MSAA

[jimeka in reply to johnMSAA]

Thank you John it was really worth the read, I would recommend it to everyone to read it. Again thank you, blessings Jimeka

[Morllyn in reply to johnMSAA]

I clicked on those and nothing happens, actually I have never been able to get anything to go anywhere on this site. Help please!😬

[johnMSAA Partner in reply to Morllyn]

So sorry you're having difficulty with links on this site, Morllyn ! If you are having such tech issues, the best place to start would be with an email to HealthUnlocked Support at:

[e-mail]

As we haven't heard any other followers have issues with accessing links through posts on the My MSAA Community site via HealthUnlocked, it's also possible there may be some settings on your web browser that are blocking certain links. The tech experts at HU should be able to assist when you email them.

And if those links to our MS Conversations blog aren't working, you can access our blog by typing in " blog.mymsaa.org " on your web browser and searching for our posts and articles on "stress" - (unfortunately? fortunately??) there a quite a few of them!

- John MSAA

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to Morllyn]

Morllyn has that been fixed yet? Just wondering :)Jes ♡

[Morllyn in reply to Jesmcd2]

No but, I will check with support. Thanks for asking.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to johnMSAA]

Great blogs johnMSAA ! And so very true!

[Morllyn in reply to johnMSAA]

When I click on the blue links you suggest above, nothing happens. It is not just those it is any that I have seen on this sight.

I will check with support.

[erash in reply to johnMSAA]

Thanks! johnMSAA

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

Will definitely have to check them out, thanks

[CalfeeChick CommunityAmbassador]

I snuggle up with my kitty and take a nap. For those that choose to read from the Bible, I also read to calm myself.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to CalfeeChick]

l miss my kitties CalfeeChick give her extra loves

[CalfeeChick CommunityAmbassador in reply to Jesmcd2]

We lost our last kitty to cancer. When I was ready for a new kitty, I asked hubby for a lap kitty. Our new rescue kitty was a stray that showed up at a friend's. After waiting, placing ad with no response, we brought him home. He rarely leaves my side. He is black/white Tuxedo and weighs 18 lbs.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to CalfeeChick]

Awww that's adorable ♡ The last 3 kitties l had all lived til 17-18 yrs. I don't want another as it was so hard letting go.

I have my puppers, and my sugar gliders, and fish. Thats enough for me to take care of lol ♡

Jes ♡

[erash in reply to Jesmcd2]

What's a sugar glider? Jesmcd2

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to erash]

I posted a picture erash

[erash in reply to CalfeeChick]

CalfeeChick photo please!

MacArthur was my long haired cat. He also weighed @ 18 lbs. not fat, just fluffy 😉 Sidney was with me for 18 years 🙁 Miss them...

I'm living vicariously through my neighbors 4 cats and 1 feral I've named Morris. They all stop by for visits but. Def. not lap cats. Morris fathered 2 of the neighbors cats, Alfie and Shaddow.

[CalfeeChick CommunityAmbassador in reply to erash]

Just posted picture. Post is called " My big kitty"

[Fancy1959]

Great post Jessmcd2, very pertinent and down on a very timely fashion as we were only about 19 days out from Christmas. This is Fancy1959 responding. The doctor I've had for like 14 years I had to switch from because of Obamacare. The new doctor that i was forced to switch to just isn't quite as good as the old doctor to say the least. They have had me on water pills over the past several months and as a result my blood pressure bottomed out. I can't drive in other words because of blood pressure being soo low. So imagine it being holiday shopping time and your homebound for 2 month. Now that is stress! On top of that I married to one of the biggest Scrogges of all time. I'm to the point where i've kind of given up. I stopped even bothering to ask them to get the tree down. Doesn't seem to be much sense in worrying about it. So yes, this Christmas is a huge big write-off! Instead of stressing about it anymore I'm just really sad about it.😥🙁😢

[jimeka in reply to Fancy1959]

Oh Fancy don't be sad, ms is bad enough without bring sad. Be an authoritarian and tell them you NEED the tree down and putting up. Sometimes they need to hear the voice ms gave us. Remember you are a fighter, don't give in and together we are stronger, blessings, hugs 🤗 🌈 Jimeka x

[angelite in reply to Fancy1959]

Oh Fancy, low BP is v. restrictive - hope it starts to stabilise soon. I guess you know to be uber careful, especially on standing ( although I know you can have drops after being on feet a while too ). I ate more salt and drank plenty when I struggled with low BP during illness ( I was constantly thirsty ) - I take it they have lowered your dose and your potassium is not affected ?

Are you able to find any suitable gifts online ? Maybe give gift vouchers instead ?

Regarding the tree - I now have a choice of 3 small ones to stand on a table. I gave up with having a fullsize a few years ago, they do look lovely, all dressed up but too much work these days. This year I'm going for the 'goth' tree - black branches , 2ft tall lol and putting white love heart lights on it that run on batteries. I also have a tiny ready decorated green one, with gold stars and a fibreoptic colour change type. All are quick and easy and pack away under the bed until needed ! My little nod towards the festivities : )

I love candles too but have the buy the battery kind now, otherwise wobble, stagger, oops there goes my hair ! Sending you good cheer from my 'alternative' Christmas box, Angela x

[karenmbloom in reply to angelite]

Ha...i just replied about giving up the big tree! All my christmas decorations fit in an unused closet...no more asking someone to go in attic for me. Anything to feel independent...

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to Fancy1959]

~ HUGH HUGS ~ Fancy1959 Now pick yourself up and be the MS fighter l know you to be!

1st off you take care of that blood pressure. Eat oranges. For some reason, I read somewhere that eating them, lowered cholesterol and helped blood pressure. All l know is that it worked for me. I had it all under control in 6 mos. Wasn't easy but can be done

Second. And so VERY important! Live each day as your last. What are you waiting for? MS?

My boyfriend asks me to, why do you put up all this "stuff " Not like anyone sees it. I just roll my eyes at him and tell him, " it makes me happy " And bottom line, lm going to do what makes me happy.

And you should too Fancy♡

ps about shopping? The only store in my town is Kmart -_- l did my shopping on amazon

[karenmbloom in reply to Jesmcd2]

Yep, I only have a walmart. Amazon is my favorite store...for gifts, painting supplies, even vitamins and that stuff. I have never lived each day like it is my last...that's an interesting concept. Gonna think on that one.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to karenmbloom]

I smile more at small things now karenmbloom

Spend more time with friends, and pick the flowers. Sometimes they look pretty inside.

Jes ♡

[greaterexp in reply to Fancy1959]

Could you get a little tabletop tree? I know it's not as dramatic, but it can still be special.

[karenmbloom in reply to Fancy1959]

I gave up on my big tree as i'm in wheelchair and could only decorate the bottom. To regain my christmas independence, I switched to a couple table top tree...$20 at walmart and and i can do it all by myself. I have not driven for years and depend on health aids twice a week to do any shopping. Online shopping removes any stress I have for gift buying or gift cards available at Kroger. I grieve for christmas's in the past...but try to feel the calmness in my faith.