Animals react differently under stress. Often times, there is a greater susceptibility to disease. Some lose their appetites, while a regular feeding schedule can also help limit the effects of stress. Humans are no different. People are known to be tired or irritable when their schedules are interrupted. If places on a changing environment for an extended period of time, they look to cope with familiar foods or comforting hobbies. Identifying stressors and our coping mechanisms can improve our mental health in these situations.
A few weeks ago, my modem bricked at the end of the work day. My initial call with technical support went well, confirming a hardware issue and starting the RMA process to get me a new modem. Unfortunately, that’s where the positivity ended. After numerous calls and emails, misunderstandings abounded and I received conflicting information about required documentation to process the RMA request.
Effects of Stress
In the meantime, I adjusted my schedule so I could work on the WiFi at various friends’ apartments. My workout and meal prep schedule shifted; my shower and cooking schedule shifted; my personal and social schedule shifted. As if working with the modem company wasn’t stressful enough, my environment proved to be continually shifting to meet my network needs.
As a result, I found that my patience ran out quicker than usual. Falling and staying asleep became more difficult. I lacked energy in the afternoon more often. I felt the effects of the stress quite acutely. I needed to find ways to cope with the external stresses placed on me.
Coping with Stresses
First, I committed to an earlier bedtime with a set routine to fall asleep easier. I also set times for my meals, with consistent food staples for each meal. I drank more green tea around noon, to offset the sleepy afternoons. If my body wanted more routine, I would get it into more routines. The results improved, but not to the extent that I would’ve hoped. I certainly operated less than 100%, but I made steps in the right direction.
If I learned anything from my own experience, stressors are hard to overcome. Even corresponding measures to counteract them don’t make up for a lack in regularity. The modem got replaced about a week ago, and I’m still recovering from the effects. Therefore, one of my own goals in the next few weeks is to be more observant of what adds stress into daily life. With the help of a counselor, I’m working to develop my own ways to react and adapt to stresses in a healthy way.
