Stress relief

[usafcellist2026]

Hey everyone! Lately (well, the past year but more in the last few days), have been feeling stressed, alone, sad, and overall not feeling like myself. To help I usually practice my cello, or go work out, but now it's starting to not feel like enough. Is there anything you guys do that help with feeling this way?

 

[crumblethunder187]

Hey everyone! Lately (well, the past year but more in the last few days), have been feeling stressed, alone, sad, and overall not feeling like myself. To help I usually practice my cello, or go work out, but now it's starting to not feel like enough. Is there anything you guys do that help with feeling this way?

Im on the same page as you. I’m trying to work on my sleep habits because I noticed that really affected how I deal with a lot of stress. Good luck

 

[Devil Doc]

When I check in for a medical appointment at Walter Reed they ask if I’m depressed or if I want to harm myself. I say, I teach high school, what do you think? They start writing that down and I have to tell them it’s a joke before they cart me away in a straight jacket.

Here lately I’ve been putting on the head phones and listening to smooth jazz or indigenous peoples flute music. If that’s not your genre, give it a try anyway. It’s cheaper than a shrink and you won’t pop positive on a urine drug screening.

 

[THParent]

I like Opera - but I get your drift - Senior Chief.

 

[StPaulDad]

Change up your workouts. Spring is here so maybe you can start biking to a new place to do something different, or starting earlier. It's almost warm enough around here for me to go back to biking a modest number of miles to a park where I can run 3-4 sets of long stairways (130+ steps) down to the river. Working out at 530am will get you to bed earlier (if it doesn't kill you first.) Go find a stupid 1980s Jane Fonda or Buns of Steel workout tape on Youtube and try to keep up. Be creative.

You're wise to stay aware of your moods and manners, so don't be afraid of finding someone to talk to occasionally. Getting thoughts like this out and into the air can make it easier to recognize and remediate them, and if you're having trouble being realistic about them an outside perspective can help keep things on track. A close friend, pastor or teacher/counselor from school would be easy options.

If you're looking to be class of 26 then it's going to be a looong process, so pace yourself accordingly. There are lots of lulls coming up where you just have to keep your eye on the horizon and your feet moving. Good luck, and remember to enjoy the end of your high school years.

 

[NVhopeful]

When I check in for a medical appointment at Walter Reed they ask if I’m depressed or if I want to harm myself. I say, I teach high school, what do you think? They start writing that down and I have to tell them it’s a joke before they cart me away in a straight jacket.

Here lately I’ve been putting on the head phones and listening to smooth jazz or indigenous peoples flute music. If that’s not your genre, give it a try anyway. It’s cheaper than a shrink and you won’t pop positive on a urine drug screening.

Cost me $75.00 at my last physical to have that question asked.

 

[usafcellist2026]

If you're looking to be class of 26 then it's going to be a looong process, so pace yourself accordingly. There are lots of lulls coming up where you just have to keep your eye on the horizon and your feet moving. Good luck, and remember to enjoy the end of your high school years.

That's where I'm looking to be, I don't want my mental state to be in the way of me and USAFA, or even the process to worsen it.

Here lately I’ve been putting on the head phones and listening to smooth jazz or indigenous peoples flute music. If that’s not your genre, give it a try anyway. It’s cheaper than a shrink and you won’t pop positive on a urine drug screening.

I'm a big fan of jazz, so that should be a good idea

 

[Devil Doc]

That's where I'm looking to be, I don't want my mental state to be in the way of me and USAFA, or even the process to worsen it.

I'm a big fan of jazz, so that should be a good idea

A co-worker noticed I'm high strung and moody and act like I don't like teenagers so she told me about 432 Hz music and how it is better for the soul and relaxing, etc. I can't tell the difference in it and other easy listening choices but the link has some good stuff to listen to.

 

[Eagle26]

Working out at 530am will get you to bed earlier (if it doesn't kill you first.)

100% agree with this. I've started working out before school rather than after on a few days per week, and I've found that on those days when I have to get up early to work out, I end up being a lot less stressed and actually have more energy throughout the day. Also, by the end of the day, I don't have enough energy to stay up nearly as late as I usually do (which is a good thing).

 

[HCopter]

Cello: are you in an orchestra? HS? City orchestra? can you get together for a socially distanced quartet? Do it via zoom? Set up on your patio and play a mini concert for the neighbors? Try to create something that benefits others, it will give you purpose, focus, and make yourself happy.

Workouts: can you try something different? of course first priority is your training block for the CFA, but how about swimming, hiking in your area?

Be a tourist in your own town/region. Are there obscure museums or places to visit that you never visited before? Try them out! Research and plan to visit one new place each week. Getting out and exploring can really complement your working on college/SA/nom stuff this summer - gives you a break and revitalizes your mental energy.

Think: what can I do now that I would never have done but for Covid?

And for mindset: it's a privilege to have your health, happy home, and all the support and opportunity before you. How will you make the most of it? Read all about Lance P. Sijan. When you think you have it tough, remember him. What are you doing in your daily life that uphold the highest standards that AF is looking for? There are many good youtubes, here is one:

Listen to Brig. Gen. Lentendre, Dean of Academics in her Aug 2020 Convocation speech, esp. about those in a pandemic (Station Eleven reading) that thrive, just get by, and those that cannot make the transition. It's on the USAFA youtube channel:

 

[Heatherg21]

Kudos to you for recognizing this is something you should tend to.
I think all of us have experienced different and increased levels of stress, anxiety,, depression etc over the course of the last year.

Lots of good ideas above, my addition to the conversation would be bird watching. I know, it sounds corny, but I am one of those avid bird watchers, the kind with binoculars in the center console of my truck. I find that taking a walk or a hike, and just sitting down in itself is calming. Then, when you sit there long enough, wildlife starts to do their normal routine, and you are the voyeur.

It takes some concentration to notice little details in plumage and behavior of all birds, but that totally forces you to unplug from everything else in your life. The longer you sit in an ecosystem, the more you will see and learn. The documentary 'My Octopus Teacher' is a great example of that. It is also a great example of how one human, who was in a dark place in his life found that nature could heal and inspire him.

Good luck to you, and take care of you.

 

[usafcellist2026]

Cello: are you in an orchestra? HS? City orchestra? can you get together for a socially distanced quartet? Do it via zoom? Set up on your patio and play a mini concert for the neighbors? Try to create something that benefits others, it will give you purpose, focus, and make yourself happy.

Yes, I'm currently in two orchestras, marching band, and concert band. One of the reasons for feeling like this is because music is my greatest passion, it's what I love to do. We've been virtual the entire school year, and last week was my first time playing in a group (of about 13 people compared to the usual 60), in over a year. There's nothing like creating music with people you care about the most. It's a step forward, but made me realize how much I missed them.

Kudos to you for recognizing this is something you should tend to.
I think all of us have experienced different and increased levels of stress, anxiety,, depression etc over the course of the last year.

Lots of good ideas above, my addition to the conversation would be bird watching. I know, it sounds corny, but I am one of those avid bird watchers, the kind with binoculars in the center console of my truck. I find that taking a walk or a hike, and just sitting down in itself is calming. Then, when you sit there long enough, wildlife starts to do their normal routine, and you are the voyeur.

It takes some concentration to notice little details in plumage and behavior of all birds, but that totally forces you to unplug from everything else in your life. The longer you sit in an ecosystem, the more you will see and learn. The documentary 'My Octopus Teacher' is a great example of that. It is also a great example of how one human, who was in a dark place in his life found that nature could heal and inspire him.

Good luck to you, and take care of you.

I'll definitely keep all ideas in mind, thank you all for sharing.

 

[Personal Organizer]

Omgosh, I am so very sorry you haven't been able to play your music with your peers, agonizing. DS was lucky this past year as our schools didn't shut down but there were no marching band competitions, no honor bands and we were half way through the season before they could play pep for basketball. This year he was Drum Major, but there were only a few football games they could play at, and they were relegated to being in the end zone. Our community orchestra also had to stop rehearsals so no performances there either. State concert band, orchestra etc were also all cancelled. The only bright spot was virtually auditioning for and winning a spot in the State Solo competition. Of course, that will be virtual as well. Not the same as live, on stage. He plays French horn and trumpet btw.

When I get down, I try to find ways I can make other people (even complete strangers) smile or laugh, because it lifts me up. I also like to take longish walks and sing at the top of my lungs to whatever is on my playlist. DS relieves stress by playing multi-player computer games. Probably not the best solution since it can cause him to forget to finish his work, but, hey, sometimes you just have to let off a little steam