Korean Job Discussion Forums

wishfullthinkng · Joined: 05 Mar 2010

stress is an absolute killer. it causes a myriad of undesirable conditions. fortunately, stress is also mental and can be overcome by changing how you think. it really is that easy if you have the mind to make it that easy. you could do it in a few minutes.

i've noticed you come on the boards and rant about korea a lot, many times without much cognition behind what you are typing. instead of getting upset by where you choose to live and your situation that you are in whether you like it or not, just come to peace with it. korea is not like what you are used to as you already know and believe it or not, just like any other place, there is a rhyme to the reason to everything here whether it makes sense to you or not.

just sit back, take a deep breath, realize that stress will ravage your body and it's not worth it, and that it's all up to you and within your power to not be stressed.

and ultimately, have a great day! Very Happy

Dodge7 · Joined: 21 Oct 2011

^^ I'll try Sad

definitely maybe · Joined: 16 Feb 2008

Don't forget that if you're a big guy, you need your blood pressure checked manually. Your arm circumference could very well be too large to give you an accurate reading on a machine.

northway · Joined: 05 Jul 2010

slothrop · Joined: 03 Feb 2003

Old fat expat · Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2012 7:36 pm Post subject:

Stress is a reaction to your environment. There is a perceived threat and your body is pumping epinephrine and noepinephrine in preparation for your fight or flight response.

Without a fight or flight, these hormones build and are capable of causing serious damage to your body over time. Really serious stuff.

You have 2 choices. Option 1 is to manage your stress. You can manage your stress by exercising (fulfilling a fight/flight response) but this does not lower your epinephrine build-up; it just gives it an outlet. You can manage the amount of stress hormone being built up by using relaxation techniques (breathing-yoga-the new age stuff). These are known as coping techniques and are called secondary interventions.

Option 2 is to change your environment. Better classroom management can achieve this. Leaving the profession will do the same. A cognitive-behavioral intervention (change your outlook) can be helpful, but remember, this is your autonomic system at work which does not always follow cognitive logic. But if a great deal of your stressors are just by living in Korea, then your problem is compounded. Removing the stressor is known as primary intervention.

Primary interventions are more effective but unfortunately, less realistic. You will eventually, one way or another, end up changing your environment, whether you like the change or not. In the short term though, most people go with secondary interventions. They buy you some time while you consider all your options.

Drugs are the quickfix that make lots of cash for large companies, dull your senses, but do little to address the causes. Alcohol might be the worst for long term stress relief.

Hope this helps (someone).

luckylady · Joined: 30 Jan 2012 Location: u.s. of occupied territories

wishfullthinkng · Joined: 05 Mar 2010

matthews_world · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

You've got a full plate.

Try to get at least 360 min. of exercise per week. Include 4+ miles of running (treadmill or otherwise), situps and pushups. Be sure to stretch first.

You've got the F-2. If you have the finances and don't need the key money, steal the more affluent kids from that school and teach them privately.