equally good chance that problems related to your SCI are contributing to your stress. Think about what's going on in your life. Some of the things causing stress you can change; others you can't. Focusing on the things you can't change only create more stress, so work on those things that you think you might be able to do something about. Try to solve the problem that's creating the stress. Exercise is great. An aerobic workout, stretching, or weightlifting can really help you feel better. Stretching exercises for your neck, shoulders and back might also "hit the spot." Relaxation is also helpful. Special relaxation activities, called "progressive relaxation" are good. "Thinking your way through" relaxing, focusing on slow, deep breathing or guided imagery might help. Don't forget about the stress-reducing effects of just listening to quiet music, reading, or going to a movie, too. Better yet, take a trip and get away. There's nothing wrong with taking some time to do something for yourself that takes your mind off the source of your stress. Finally, let go of things. You don't have to be a "superpara" every minute of the day. Your house doesn't need to be spotlessly clean. You don't need to read every magazine that comes in the mail. You don't need to accept every invitation you receive, or volunteer for everything that comes along. Set more realistic goals and find easier ways to do things. As the commercial says, just say, "No!" If these solutions don't work, and you find that your stress is getting worse, you might want to consider getting some outside help. This can include counseling or a stress management workshop. It can mean hiring a house cleaner. Maybe sign up for a yoga class, or take a course that targets your stress directly. Is your problem with communication and bottled up feelings? Then consider communication classes or an assertiveness training workshop. Here are some organizations, found in most communities, that are possible resources:
Parks departments and recreation centers
The YMCA, the YWCA
Your local health department or mental health pro.
Mental health professionals like psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers
Your church and its leaders
College or university counseling centers, Social Work departments, even their health physical education departments.
(Continued In Next Column)
FOR SALE!!!!***
97 Mercury Sable LS; station wagon. Leather interior; 6-cylinder; 6-passenger seating; rear-facing third seat; Braun wc topper; Monarch hand controls. 93,000 miles. Price negotiable. Call Ruth @ 239-9754 after 5 p.m.
2001 Dodge Intrepid. 30,000 mi; leather interior; automatic transmission; Braun overhead wheelchair carrier & hand controls. Call Ruth at 239-9754 after 5 p.m.
*2003 Ford F-250 lift-equipped green/gray van; leather seats, TV, DVD player. Playstation hookup, am-fm radio. Rick Miller, 937-2245.
*Cookbooks for Sale: Recipes compiled by Chapter members; $10:00. Call David @ 589-6620.
*Video tapes for sale. Various topics related to spinal cord injuries. Call David Allgood or Buddy Lawson.
***If assistance is needed to pay for any of the above items, contact Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation at 1-800-327-5287 for information on loans at 5% interest to qualified candidates.
STRESS, Continued
Regardless of what you do, remember. You can change the cause of the stress. You can change what you do about it, or you can change how you feel about it. However, no matter what you do, you have to do something if you want your stress level to be less!
