Stress!!!
I never really thought about the noise level at work as a stressor, but now that I think about it, it makes sense. I love my coffee, but I've cut back drinking it past about 4:00pm so it doesn't interfere with my sleep. Sleep is the closest thing I get to a vacation!
As a former CPR instructor, I laughed at the part about the dummies being a distraction--they do look goofy. Usually when I try to meditate, I just end up falling asleep. I'm getting better at taking 10 deep breaths when I start to feel overloaded. Try it, it helps!
I never realized the grinding of my teeth and biting my nails was a result of my stress. My jaw is in so much pain and I did not realize I was doing this. Now that I know it is a result of stress I will be more aware and work at reducing my stress levels.
Catherine, I am happy to hear you've caught your negative coping mechanisms. Sounds like they are resulting in even more stress. I recommend trying to stop by incorporating healthy coping mechanisms instead. One example might be to exercise when you find yourself teeth grinding.
Dr. Melissa Read
