Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Stress-busters?

Here’s the problem: I’m eating a lot, and sleeping a lot (and tired, when I’m awake), and it’s almost 2 and I haven’t taken a shower yet. I don’t feel depressed—and trust me, I know that road. I’m just out of sorts. Consistently. I can feel my body racing, even when I’m sitting still.

I just found my Rescue Remedy, and I’m taking some (in a glass of water) right now. I don’t even remember clearly why I bought it; I think I was up in Olympia, two springs ago, grieving and stressed for more transient reasons. I packed it here because I thought it might help with symptoms; I’m glad to have it, now.

In Berkeley, I’d take walks. Around Holy Hill, or down to Elephant… there are hills, and temperate weather, and places to walk to. Here, it’s unremittingly flat, and hot, and there’s no place really to go. I’m in the middle of a giant suburban subdivision.

Driving with loud music is completely impractical, obviously—though I am going to Alameda on Friday. And I’m not one who therapy-cleans.

Therapy itself? She’s in Berkeley. Gas is expensive.

I have my bicycle here, and can ride it, for the next week while I’m well. I think my tire pump is still under one of the car seats. But cars in this town don’t know what to do with a bike. Last time I rode anywhere, I almost got run over—twice.

I have an exercise mat that a friend gave me. I forgot to look for my yoga-posture cheat sheet, when I packed out of the dorm. I remember a few.

I might be able to find a class, once or twice—but money will be an issue.

Yard work? Love it. But there’s not that much to do right now. Later in the summer, there will be.

Going outside and standing barefoot on the ground, would be something.

I need exercise, and deep breathing, and reconnecting with my body again. So. What do you do, to heal yourself? Visualizations, breathing techniques, yoga postures (describe them please), any of your favorite tricks and tools. Thanks!

4 comments:

susankay said...

Find a "Y" or community Rec Center and swim or work on the exercise machines and then take a nice long shower -- since we have to haul water to our cabin, long showers are a real treat.

Kirstin said...

Thanks--would you believe there is no Y in this town? (No, I'm not trying to be impossible.) A friend has a pool that I can use when she's out of town, though.

Ann said...

I say something centering when I feel flung apart by life - like this from St. Patrick:

I arise today
Through the strength of heaven:
Light of sun,
Radiance of moon,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of wind,
Depth of sea,
Stability of earth,
Firmness of rock.
I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me:
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's host to save me
From snares of devils,
From temptations of vices,
From everyone who shall wish me ill,
Afar and anear,
Alone and in multitude.

Kirstin said...

Ann, I love this. Thank you.