Everyone stresses out at some point. Perhaps because of problems with family, job, weight, school.......the list could go on. Some people turn to their addictions to feel better. These might be alcohol, drugs, work, junk food, exercise etc. These addictions are not healthy. They do not help us to deal with stress long term. We might forget about our worries whilst eating that hotdog with extra cheese and sauce or working excessively. But when it's finished, the stress engulfs us again.
Police officers have a huge amount of stress from their day to day work. How do they deal with it? There are healthy ways to cope:
Meditate: Yes! Police officers can meditate too! Everyone should spend some time alone to re-charge and let go of worries.
Exercise: This really helps a lot! Even if you don't feel like it, you will feel so much better afterwards.
Resolve Arguments: If you've argued with a loved one don't let it stew. Be open and talk about it. It will make you feel better.
Laugh: Spend time with friends and enjoy their company. If you have no friends, then watch a funny TV show or movie - or make friends!
Take up a Hobby: Do something you really enjoy (it can be geeky!). You can find other people with similar interests & join a club.
Plan: Get your life organized! Write a list of fun, silly things and serious things you want to do in the next 5 or 10 years. It will feel really good to tick things off! (And make the silly things a priority - don't overlook them!).
Love Yourself: We are all too hard on ourselves - "I'm a fatso" or "I'm an idiot" etc Would we say these things to our best friends? our spouses? our children?
Talk About It: If you are stressed, find someone to confide in. Do this as soon as you feel the emotion building up - it will help you avoid your addiction (if you have one).
When I'm stressed, I have a tendency to eat sugary foods, but I keep that under control by talking to my husband and exercising.
What do you do when you're stressed? What are your addictions?
Please leave comments & thanks for reading!**
I am a big comfort eater, I eat when I am stressed, bored or celebrating... probably why I am now trying to lose so much weight!
ReplyDeleteWhen I am stressed these days though I try and have a bit of a rant, I find getting all of my frustration out leads to a sense of calm for a while :) My poor boyfriend has to listen!
I think one thing that tends not to be suggested to police officers is to have friends outside of the profession that you can spend time with. Once hired, many officers develop social circles strictly in law enforcement. After a few years, it is really nice to have an outlet to deal with stress that does not involve police stuff.
ReplyDeleteWell... I used to eat. Now... I scream, kick something, watch one of my favorite tv shows, workout, take a shower, listen to some "happy" music and dance! :)
ReplyDeleteLinz ~ I talk my husband's ear off too!! I hope he doesn't start to tune me out!
ReplyDeleteSlamdunk ~ That's a really good idea. I'll keep that in mind!
River ~ LOL! You know I've never screamed!! Not even on a mountain top or a roller coaster - I'm too self conscious - weird, right?
Meditation is awesome! I tried it for the first time when I was taking a class in Buddhism in college. I remember thinking "boring relaxation thing hippies do" regarding it, but it really just zones you in and makes everything around so vibrant, and you feel so aware afterwards!
ReplyDeleteTwon ~ you're right! Meditation isn't just for "hippies", it's for everyone!
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips for everyone. I really like to exercise with my beautiful wife^^ I hope you take a rest well and have a great day. I expect to go hiking tomorrow with you. I love you so much.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to hiking too! Love you! xxx
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