Already in this class, I have made a note that is a rather stark reflection of myself, really. It is a positive note, and really quite encouraging. We talked in class about stress, anger, and hostility. More specifically, how these things effect our health. Obviously, the effects usually tend to be quite damaging. Though not directly the cause of illness, stress often leaves the body vulnerable to attack by wearing down the immune system.

What we also went into was how to deal with stress. Of course, a major point is the classic "fight or flight" stress response. Which is very much a physical response of the body towards perceived threats. However there is healthy ways in which to respond to that which challenges our homeostasis (internal sense of balance, largely involving the correlation and intercommunication of the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems):

1. CHANGE THINKING: Much of how stress effects us is related to how we process it and in how our thought process works. What I found helps in many ways in dealing with stress is very similar to the manner in which recovery from addiction works. By changing the way I look at the world, I find I deal with stressors differently today than I would have six years ago. Also, I have noticed that with me, things that used to bother me do not bother me as much anymore. hat I have found helps in starting this process is to start off with using different words. For example, instead of having "bad" days, I occasionally have what I now call "eventful" days. Instead of "negative" experiences, I have "learning" experiences. I'll admit that sometimes to change ones' thinking is a lot easier said than done. So how does one go about that? I have noticed, through my recovery, that the other stress management strategies have overlapped and even connected.
   
2. CHANGE SITUATION: Create a different sphere of influence. Stay away, if possible, from stressful places or events. What comes to mind here is that changing the situation and/or environment, one tends to have better opportunities to take the time to rethink things, and effectively change thinking. What is also true, I have noted through my own experiences, is that a change in thinking tends to promote a change in situation. Both of these would appear to make great strides towards changing ones' behaviour patterns.
3. REDUCE STRESS RESPONSE: The stress response is actually a fairly elaborate process involving the nervous system, the endocrine system, and the immune system. These three system basically get thrown out of balance (homeostasis) in order to put us into a "fight or flight" mode, which was likely essential for survival for primitive man. Obviously, if this balance is thrown off for prolonged periods of time, or too frequently, health problems will occur. There are ways to reduce this response, and not necessarily through western style medication. (Luckily, I was brought up to use medicines like aspirin or whatever only as a last resort). Some good examples are relaxation exercises, prayer and meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, holistic, that sort of thing. What I find works best for me is prayer and meditation. That may not work for everyone, as it may trigger a relaxation anxiety disorder. Again I relate this to recovery- in particular with a twelve step program because the purpose of the twelve steps is to find a power greater than yourself.. a loving God of your understanding. (It actually says so in their literature) I find this again links to changing the situation since it suggests a change in habits, and sphere of influence. Also, such things tend to lend themselves to a change in entire manner of living, which again often promotes a change in thinking. In all of this, one will likely tend to develop habits which increase one's resistance to stress.
4. INCREASE BODY'S RESISTANCE TO STRESS: Reduce alcohol consumption (or in some cases, like mine, abstain completely). Reduce caffeine...well, I'm getting there, slowly. Reduce/abstain from tobacco. Improved diet and sleeping habits. (less junk, more natural and organic foods, regular hours of sleep, and aim for 7-8 hours a night) Get proper hydration. Start an exercise regimen. practice good hygiene. All of these things tend to lead into healthier ways of thinking, and often demand a change in situation, and seem to often go part and parcel with techniques designed to reduce stress response.

As I have pointed out earlier, the thing that particularly stuck out for me in this session was actually twofold: First, how all these means of dealing with stress constructively seem to link together, almost out of necessity, like they need to be worked on in conjunction. It's much like a four pillars approach for stress. Second, how I note that much of recovery from addiction seems to be based on some level or another on constructive stress management. I guess that makes sense, since often addiction starts off as an attempt, albeit subconsciously for many, to self medicate in response to stress. Clearly, this self medication leads to other health problems beyond the stress related ones - both physically and psychologically. What is also evident is the actual damage excessive use of drugs and alcohol can the body and the brain. "Self Medication" is very apparently a destructive coping mechanism, especially since the stress is still there, and often tends to escalate as a result of social consequences of that abuse. Therefore. it makes sense that a large part of recovery from addiction would be around learning new, more constructive coping mechanisms.

What surprised me today?
The buses ran very much in sync today, so I got home about 1/2 hour earlier than expected

What moved or touched me today?
Went to a 12 step group tonight. We talked about "living in the now." It's always moving and touching to share with my peers, and to hear them share.

What inspired me today?
It seems God put an old friend in recovery in my path today. Though he's going through a lot right now, it was encouraging and inspiring to see him continue on the path of recovery. Also, I find that by helping others, my own recovery is strengthened. This is part of how I take care of myself.