[Erika]

New scientific research is changing how stress is viewed with respect to health.

The last half of the talk in this video encourages us to share our experiences of stress with others, as well as to support those who are experiencing stress as a means to preserve and even enhance our own health.

Thank you Neurotalk.

Kelly McGonigal: How to make stress your friend | Video on TED.com
http://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgon...ml?fb_ref=talk

With love, Erika

[tkrik]

I love TED!!! I saw that talk and thought it was very interesting. There are so many wonderful and informative talks on TED. Thanks for posting that link and reminding me I need to catch up on some of the talks. I would love to go to one of the TED conferences but they are way too expensive for me.

[SallyC]

Usually, motivational talks bore the **** out of me, but that one hit home.
I think I have already learned, unknowingly, that this is a truism about our
stress.

I have always been a bit of a reacher outer, but really didn't do much of it,
because I had too much else fun stuff to do. In the last 10+ yrs. I have
too much time on my hands and, since I hate hobbies, I've been reaching
out more to Family & Friends who may need me.

I don't mean physical help that I am unable to do, but for just being there
when they/you need me. I've found that I am not stressing out as much
as I was. I just truly realized it, after listening to that video!!!

And since I can't just jump up and be there physically for them/you, I tell
them that I am there, right beside you, in spirit. My DH took great com
-fort in that, when he was in the hospital getting close to the end of
his life on earth.. And it kept me from being stressed out about
not being there in person.

Thanks for posting that Erika.

[Erika]

Sally,
You being here has meant the world to me...many more times than I can express.
Thanks back at you

With love, Erika

[tkrik]

Sally - Being there for someone even if it is just to talk and not being there physically, is just as important. IMHO. Sometimes just talking to someone while they go through a tough time can ease their stress and vice versa - having someone there for your during stressful times can ease your stress.

I thought about this thread today as a friend of mine called me today. She has a chronic illness and gets so lonely during the day while her husband is at work. We get together often during the week for movie days and to just hang out. We were talking about our plans for tomorrow and she broke down in tears. Her twin died a few years ago during this time of year and once the holiday season starts, she becomes sadder and more depressed. We talked about it and she said, "Trish, that's one of the things I love about you. You have such a good attitude about things and I love to talk to you about the things that are making me sad or bothering me. You always make me feel better." It works both ways. In reality, I get stressed and can have a crappy attitude but she and my other friends and family can really make me feel better by just being there for me. It's a win-win and I think it is such an important aspect of being human. She's headed for some tough days ahead and I know I will be there for her as much as I can and knowing what she shared with me today that it was the holiday time that her twin died I am more aware of what she will be facing over the next several weeks.

It's sharing experiences like this that help us cope with our own stress and help others cope with theirs.

[Erika]

Your friend will appreciate having a friend like you, especially during this time. Just having someone who understands and who can truly sympathize with a listening ear, can make all the difference in helping us get through our rough patches.

I know that with a restricted diet, a lot of the Thanksgiving feast is not going to be on your plate, but take it from one who has been dealing with digestive issues for many years...you and your digestion will be truly thankful if you don't indulge in the no no's.

At gatherings that center around a meal like Thanksgiving & Christmas, I go ahead and take a little bit of everything; taking more of what I do/can eat, but I only consume what is on my dietary plan.
As for the rest of the items that are left on my plate, I silently ask/pray that it be given 10,000 fold to those around the world who are hungry and less fortunate.

If someone at the table questions why I haven't eaten my dinner, I just say that the 'vegetables' were so amazing, that I filled up on them, because I actually prefer those to the other items.
That usually satisfies their curiosity, compliments the cook/hostess at the same time, and no further explanations are necessary

Wishing you and Everyone here a Happy Thanksgiving.

With love, Erika

[SallyC]

I have been using this theory to help with stress, lately. Yesterday,
I cried about something really stupid and realized later, that, a very
sad thing had happened to me earlier in the day and I bottled it, like
a brave soldier, instead of reaching out. So later when the whole
family/friends was here, I burst out crying.

I explained and all was OK....ShEEEEESH!!!!

[tkrik]

Sally - I am sure you felt better after you told them what was bothering you. Sharing like that does help. Bottling it up doesn't. I'm a bottler. I know it's not healthy but . . . I hope you feel less stressed today.

[Lynn]

What a great video

On a completely non-MS note - I showed this to my daughter who was incredibly stressed about an exam she had today - and it worked wonders.

Thank you Thank you Thank you