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Saturday, August 16, 2014

Stress and Dreams


Slate doesn't look stressed!
I wonder what he's dreaming about.  ;)



You know how I know when I'm not handling stress very well?
It's when I cry over something entirely not worth tears.
I did that today.  Not only am I not the crying type, 
I cried over something that really wasn't such a big deal.

I also eat way too much chocolate.
Yep, I did that today, too!

I also dream about odd, random things.
Last night I dreamed about a turtle.  Very odd.  haha.
So, I looked it up on a nifty little website, www.dreammoods.com
to see what interpretation they would give.

Here's what they said..."dreaming of a turtle indicates that you
are sheltering yourself from the realities of life.  You are putting
forth a hard exterior and not letting others in.  As a result, you 
are feeling withdrawn."

Wow.  They are absolutely right!
Didn't I say I needed a shrink not too long ago? haha.
Well, I did have a friend offer to be one for me.  He knew something
 was wrong the other day before I even said anything!
How perceptive of him!  Keith!  
Any slots open on your leather couch?
I need an appointment! haha.

Thinking of ways to relieve stress, the other week I saw an
interview on TV with Jessica Ortner and her book The Tapping
Solution, which is on the New York Times Best Sellers list.
The basic idea is that you tap with your fingertip the same points
 that would be treated by acupuncture.  As she demonstrated tapping
on natural stress points such as in between your eyebrows (where
you naturally furrow your brown when stressed), I tapped, too,
while I watched the interview.  Much to my surprise, after about 20
taps, I inadvertently took in a big breath and let out a big sigh.
I kind of laughed, because it did relax me!  So, I did it again and
this time it made me yawn!  Before long, my entire face was much
more relaxed.  I also tried this on my jaw, where I tend to clinch it.
A very interesting concept!  You can watch the interview HERE

While I'm waiting for that appointment with Keith, I think a vacation day
is in order.  Taylor and Lauren are taking me to Michigan with
them on Sunday! We're going to another Nascar race.
Yes, that will be a pleasant distraction and oh, so fun, too!




50 comments:

  1. I also read the article on 'tapping.' You have inspired me to give it a try. Every now and then a good cry helps me sort things out ... I wish you a happy, stress free, fun filled weekend AND relax. That's an order.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's kind of an amazing concept. I would have never believed it if I hadn't done that unintentional sigh and yawn almost immediately!
      I'd like to get into the habit of doing it just to see if it has long term good effects.

      An order, huh....yes, ma 'am....I most certainly will! :) Starting tonight. ha.

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    2. Sounds tempting..I should start tapping right now:)

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  2. I know dear.Sometimes we live many things in little time.And we have to battle with them.
    Ithink is a good idea you can relax and go with Taylor and Lauren.
    Relax Betsy and have a fun time!
    Could I talk with Keith?
    I want an appointment too:)
    xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Live many things in little time...I love the way you wrote that. Tie our emotions up in it and there you go!

      I'm sure Keith will see this. He needs to hang out a sign. haha...Maybe he can make us a comfort meal. lol....

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    2. Yes is when you cannot processed all ina little time.
      Give you a time.Im a little tired in this time of the year.
      A meal with Keith would be delicious!:)

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    3. Yes, what shall we ask him to cook for us? haha. Anything would be delicious if we didn't have to make it, right?

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    4. I would love to have a talk face to face with both of you, and cook us a comfort meal in le style français, but unfortunately the Atlanic Ocean is in the way.

      My partner Pat always used to say that just having an in depth chat with me always lifted the clouds of depression from her. She a good reason to be depressed, Betsy knows that.

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    5. That would be so much fun! Gloria is in Chile, so she has a few more bodies of water in the way. ha.

      I believe that about you, Keith, lifting her spirits. You've done that for me more than once. :)

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    6. Yes sadly we are so far dears:)

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  3. Interesting interview indeed
    A tap tap tapping at ones feed
    My nerves are already screwed all up though
    So a tapping won't do much at my show
    Instead get stabbed and jabbed at my sea
    Loosens me up and works for me
    The only thing that gives me stress is the body mess
    Catch 22 like some weird game of chess haha
    Get some r and r at your sea
    Slate shows how it should be done to thee

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep, Slate has the right idea. Forget the mess
      and have a rest.
      Leave the house
      and catch a mouse.

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    2. umm err no
      To the second though

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    3. I'll tell Slate you don't approve
      of the ways he gets back in the groove.
      hahahaha...

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  4. Hi Betsy, Very interesting about the tapping. Oh to be a cat and be as relaxed as Slate. I clench my jaws too. A dentist shared with me that when I am on the computer, washing dishes, etc. to touch the back of my upper teeth with my tongue - you cannot clench when doing this!
    So happy you have a day out on Sunday. Have a great time. Mildred

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'll have to try that little trick. I only clinch it if I'm really stressed but I do it so hard that I effect a nerve in my face. Crazy. OK....touching the back of my teeth with my tongue right now... opening your mouth slightly and moving your jaw back and forth works, too.

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  5. I'm sorry to hear you're feeling so stressed lately, Betsy . . . I can easily relate. I kinda had one of those type of melt-downs just a couple weeks ago. After a long chat with my Creator, I felt tired, but relieved . . . and then I spent the rest of the day with a new box of crayons and a coloring book. Exactly what I needed! (oh- and it also should be mentioned that my kids were off at camp at that point too)

    I hope you feel very refreshed after your day out on Sunday! (and I hope that when my boys are grown they will want to spend a day with their mom, too!) :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, a chat like that is always good. And good for you having your boys at camp! Hope they had fun. :)

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  6. Where's Eddie tonight? Fell asleep in front of the telly no doubt.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't know! Maybe it's past his bedtime.

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    2. Good morning both!
      Could not make it last light here I was sweet talking a lady! . . . . that's got you guessing!! lol

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  7. I do hope you enjoy your day of Nascar with Taylor and Lauren. I have no doubt you deserve it!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Michelle....I really am looking forward to it!

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  8. Slate does look quite relaxed. Animals are better at letting things go than we are! Hope your Sunday is lots of fun and lets you relax!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He does know how to sleep...picks the best and coziest places in the house! :)

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  9. Perhaps I should try tapping my forehead when my grandchildren are racing about the living room and laughing raucously...
    I hope you enjoy your NASCAR day too.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, perhaps you should! It will make you yawn and your face will feel more relaxed! :)

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  10. The tapping thing interests me...I'm always open to anything to relieve stress. Life is always better without it!! Ha! And someone to talk to. Heaven.

    Have a great time being adrift on your own.

    Jane

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    Replies
    1. She says she used it to loose weight, too....not sure how. Interesting!

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  11. We are hitting up the night race in Bristol next weekend and I can't wait
    Enjoy your trip

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  12. I have been doing tapping (for various issues) for several months and I swear by it. Also manual acupuncture points. There are many videos on youtube for this sort of thing and it really helps. I hope your stress is relieved a little this weekend. Sending you a big, warm HUG! xo
    P.S. Yay to kitchen reno.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was really surprised with that involuntary yawn when I really was giving it a half hearted try and did even know it would do that. I'm sure the whole book would be a good read. Yes..kitchen reno.....I'm so excited!

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  13. The explanation of the shell to protect your inner self and your need for chocolate might be related. You must have a soft center. Speak later - someone at the door! . . . .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You mean those chocolate turtles? One of my favorite chocolates. Do you have them over there?

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    2. Yes . . . we have them there . . . super!

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    3. Yum. Caramel, pecans and chocolate. What could be better?

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  14. Slate always makes me wish for a kitty. Yesterday I was thinking how much I miss purrs and the "snuffling" sounds my cat used to make. I can relate to your stress Betsy. I'm glad you are seeking out some talk therapy. I wish I had done so during all my years as a caretaker, while holding down a full-time job, for my parents who were always sick/needing the emergency room or hospitalization. I can't help but think that stress played a part in the cancer I was diagnosed with 2 years ago. By the way, as much as we all love your blog, if you need a break from the pressure of coming up with a new entry every day, I'm sure we would all understand if you need to pause from time to time. Lynne in NC

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do agree that stress is hard on us physically! I hope you're treatments are going well and you are winning that battle. I always feel better as soon as I just admit that I'm stressed. Blog friends are great for that. I don't take a blog break very often, do I! I guess I think of my blog as therapy in itself. There have been some crazy things happening in my life personally that I have only briefly touched on, and vaguely at that, here on my blog. If you all only knew! I might have to open up share at some point...it might be a means to some healing for me just to share. But until then, I might take Gloria's advise and nap with Slate. haha....might have to wait until the men aren't all home, though. lol....weekends are a little loud and crazy. :)

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  15. Betsy always I think the cats are the most relaxed of the world.
    Today take a nap with Slate:)))

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Slate would love that if I would! He's always trying to snuggle up to me and sleep! ha.

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    2. Ok. You have to make today after lunch! he would be happy!!
      Tell the Mr. I need a snap LOL
      xo

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    3. haha I wanted say a nap:)) sorry

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    4. I like the 'snap', too! haha!!

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  16. Shoot, I just wrote you a long comment...now it is gone. Long comment short....While you nap with Slate, the rest of us will keep you in our prayers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Don't you hate it when that happens? Thanks, Anita. :)

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  17. Well, tapping on a pressure point seems a lot less stressful than having to go somewhere and let it all hang out on someone's "couch".
    I think you may have hit on a great stress reliever. I will definitely remember this.
    Love your kitty and how relaxed he is.
    Enjoy your vacation day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, easier for sure...and easier than needles for acupuncture. lol....I think I'll tap...

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  18. I like this idea! I may have to tap myself to sleep tonight. I, too, cry at the drop of a hat when I am stressed out. I don't like to do that, but it does seem to make things better for a short while.

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