My Journey With Weight Loss – Dealing With Stress

Today was my long run day and it was to be another 18k run (note, I like long run days because I have a big bowl of oatmeal and raisins for breakfast so I can carb up). I decided to try a new route so ran from the the east side of White Rock to the west side (note this is only about 5k). I had planned to do this a couple times round trip but decided the route was not well lit and there were too many dips in the sidewalk. I turned and headed south toward the beach. That was a nice run and by time I got to the west promenade I was 1/2 way through my run. When I had run a couple k along the promenade I noted a couple at the fencing that blocks the rail tracks taking pictures and they were very excited so I figure with the tide in there must be a seal in the water. As I ran by the woman called out to me, look there’s a beaver. I thought, um I don’t think there is a beaver down at the beach then holy shit!!!, there’s a beaver down at the beach. I thanked her for pointing it out to me and I got to see it later further along the beach. I always really enjoy my runs when I see eagles or the tiny baby rabbits but this was even better.

I admit lately I have been a little too engaged in social media. Between the ‘freedom convoy’, border shutdowns and continued rallies to now the Russian invasion of Ukraine it is almost overwhelming. The invasion is particularly concerning as I worry that this will result in things like the use of nuclear weapons. My husband suggested yesterday that maybe I should talk about stress and the things I am doing to help relieve it.

You would think the past 2 years dealing with the pandemic would have been enough for the world to handle but the latest issues have taken it over the top. Having said that, one of the things that COVID and my brother’s recent health issue managed to teach me is how to not let things overwhelm me. Ok, the obvious thing is running which simply gives me a way to distract me thoughts from the scary stuff and instead focus on myself. Alright, that may sound a bit selfish but I really don’t think it is, rather I see it as self-preserving.

But there are some other things I turn to when things are making me anxious. The biggest one is my pets. A walk with the dog or throwing her ‘babies’ for her brings on a significant sense of calm. When that isn’t necessarily working then cuddling the cats always helps. The other is (oh, and I so hate to admit this) but cooking. Now I don’t really like cooking but I find it tolerable if I have a new recipe to try using one of our vast number of appliance or a new cooking method (I made the most amazing steaks using a sheet pan recipe recently). To do this I go through all sorts of cookbooks to find something that I think I will really enjoy. My latest is an Irish Pub cookbook which has a few interesting recipes that I want to try including a beef and Guinness pie which with marinating takes over a day to make.

I finally have a few fail safes. I look for a good book that I can read. I have started doing diamond painting (a bit stalled right now) which makes you concentrate incredibly hard so there is no room for stressful thoughts. I also listen to my favourite music especially songs I find soothing. Soon, my husband and I are going to work on some refinishing projects. Lastly is a good soak in the hot tub (even if I am not stressed this happens on my long run days) which really helps me relax.

So don’t let what is going on in the world right now take over. Find the things that help keep you centered. Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of others.