Managing the Unavoidable Stress
 

So we know we should avoid stressful situations, noisy places, over stimulating environments, etc etc.

What happens when we cant?

For example... at the beginning of January, my mother passed away. I had to drive 6 hours on short notice to assist with funeral preparations, attend 2 visitations, the funeral and then a few days later drive the 6 hours home again.

There are ongoing duties related to this that just cant be set aside. I've just returned from another trip back this past weekend, where I took the train instead of driving, but that didn't' end up being much better. Too many people, too much noise, motion. commotion, confusion. Never mind the actual duties while I was there.

It takes me weeks / over a month to recover from each trip. Before her death, I was sleeping quite well, 8+ hours a night plus a daily nap, now, I can barely get 6 hours a night and often not a nap.

I've definitely taken a couple steps back since the end of December, but there's no real good end in sight, either. This will go on for a while.

Anyone else go through this? Anyone have any tips to manage this? Do I just have to accept that my recovery is on hold until this all settles down?

Starr

I'm so sorry for you loss (hug) I think it's amazing you were able to do all that without physically collapsing. Even if I had to I don't think I could do it. 6 hours of driving.. ugh.

The only way I've gotten through unavoidable bad situations is with the usual earplugs and taking breaks. I wonder if earplugs and a sleep mask on the train might work. I've never been on a train but I guess the sleep mask would look silly but who cares if it saves your sanity! Also, ginger gravol might help with the motion/dizziness without causing drowsiness.

The main suggestion I have for you is when there is unavoidable stress to try to limit the avoidable body stress as much as possible. Be EXTRA diligent about drinking lots of water, eating unprocessed healthy foods, limiting all alcohol and sugars. I know that at the stressful times is when these foods are most attractive but the added inflammation will only make you worse.

I would also recommend meditation to try to keep you on an even keel and give you a bit more 'space' to breathe.

I hope the stress ends for you soon and you can return to recovery mode.

CC

So sorry for your loss. I had a death in the family at the 9 month mark and it was tough. Felt like I was a zombie. It hurt to cry, so grieving was a challenge.

maybe pacing yourself more would help you get through this. Enforced down time periods each and every day.

I am sure it is very difficult. Hang in there.

I am sorry for your loss. I would marshal all the help I could get. Delegate as much as possible. When the physical stress is there try to build in rest periods and backup assistance whenever possible. Try to be as mindful of your limits and respect them as much as possible. Is there family or friends who can help?