What can I do to manage stress?
- The American Heart Association has suggestions for dealing with stress that may be useful to HIV+ people.
- Try to use positive self-talk (e.g., “I can do this.”).
- Use “stress stoppers” to instantly improve stress levels. These include taking a walk, taking a few deep breaths, and meditation.
- Regularly do things that make you happy. Pursue a hobby, enjoy a movie or TV show, spend time with family and friends.
- Engage in relaxation techniques.
- Visit http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/StressManagement/FourWaystoDealWithStress/Four-Ways-to-Deal-with-Stress_UCM_307996_Article.jsp for more information.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also provides several tips for managing stress:
- Avoid drugs and alcohol.
- Find and use a support system.
- Stay active – physically and socially.
- Take care of yourself.
- Visit http://www.cdc.gov/features/handlingstress/ for more information.
- You may choose to consult with the rehabilitation professionals that work with anxiety, as listed here.
What can I do to manage work?
- Research into managing work demands with chronic low back pain1 outlined self-management skills that may be useful for people living with other chronic conditions:
- Changing work and home schedules and routines to make sure you can complete work tasks. For example, doing stretching exercises at the photocopier to avoid tense muscles.
- Reducing symptoms, perhaps by keeping medications and non-medicinal pain relievers in your work space.
- Breaking big jobs into smaller tasks that are easier to focus on.
- Communicating with the employer to get adjustments in the work setting, such as a standing desk, being able to take frequent short breaks, or having a flexible work schedule.
- Communicating with coworkers about specific issues, such as pain or stomach upset, to get help and understanding.
- Recognizing when you need time off to recover and negotiating time off.
- You do NOT have to disclose your HIV status to anyone at work to get workplace adjustments (accommodations).
- The e-guide has information here on rehabilitation professionals that may be helpful in managing work challenges.
What can I do to stay on top of my issues and treatments?
- The best way to manage your health is to stay informed.
- Your local AIDS service organization may have workshops or presentations on topics relevant to you.
- You can also find booklets and brochures on HIV-related topics at your ASO, or online at websites like CATIE (www.catie.ca).
- The internet is a good place to find a large amount of information, but examine the material carefully to assess its quality. You may want to visit this webpage for information on how to judge a website: http://usm.maine.edu/library/checklist-evaluating-web-resources.
- You can also look up suggestions for tools to help with your challenges, such as getting a day planner if you have trouble remembering appointments.
1Tveito, Torill Helene, et al. "Managing pain in the workplace: a focus group study of challenges, strategies and what matters most to workers with low back pain." Disability & Rehabilitation 32.24 (2010): 2035-2045.