DEALING WITH STRESS – FROM OUR NEW BLOGGER, DONNA GILES
When I, yet again, found myself in subventricular tachycardia that appeared to relate very
directly to the stress I was under at the time, I knew I needed to find a way to control the
anxiety that precipitated the event.
For me, this involved embracing the practice of ‘mindfulness’ and teaching myself to remain
‘in the moment’ rather than allowing my mind to race away to far flung places where the
worst scenarios take place.
I hop on to our Motomed – this is an exercise bike that can be accessed from a chair, our
young people use their supportive chairs or wheelchairs, I use any upright chair that is
available – play some calming music and pedal away, listening to the music, but also
becoming lost in the sound of the pedals going round. It becomes almost like a meditation,
where I can leave behind any overwhelming thoughts and just drift…
My Cardiologist informs me that exercise is good for keeping as well as possible when you
have a cardiac condition like mine, but cycling or walking over undulating terrain and
contending with different weather conditions is a challenge, so, whilst I would love to say I
go for long walks in nature, that really isn’t going to work for me on a routine basis. The
exercise bike does.
Meditation can take many forms; listening to the birds in the garden, calming music, and
guided ones, I find they all have their place on my list of coping strategies, and I chose
according to how I’m feeling and how much time I have. A little is better than nothing, in my
opinion.
Writing is my other great saviour. I was ‘journalling’ way before it became fashionable. Ever
since I can remember I have written down my thoughts, frustrations and plans in notebooks
that are then hidden away – for my eyes only.
I really feel that we all need to find the support that works for us as an individual. What
works for one, might not suit another. It has taken me a while and, was borne of necessity,
but it has been worth it to find what works for me.