hot water with a splash of milk
Buffering is a term known for when a computer is loading and thinking, usually between tasks. But today, I listened to a really great podcast on buffering… more from a mental health management standpoint.
In the podcast, Dr. Burke-Harris discusses a method for responding to stress more calmly and productively – by buffering!
What is a stress buffer? Anything that you can do in response to stress that protects your body system from reacting to it. It’s a space between the stressful situation and harmful impacts it may have on you.
What does this look like? Dr. Burke identifies 7 main categories at the 47minute mark of the podcast… my favorites were sleep, exercise, balanced nutrition, and spending time in nature. She labels these as stress busters. I 1,000% agree.
I love this idea of buffering so much, that I started to think of the ways I buffer my stress. My first example is listening to a podcast while driving. I do so much shuttling of the kids to/from school and activities that I was starting to really dread it. I discovered a few podcasts that let my mind dream a little – and the time in the car isn’t so bad now. And if I’m really needing extra zen – I bring a coffee or tea with me. But I love cruising thru podcasts – Oprah, Mel Robbins, Lilah Rose, and Cultra Trail.
Another way I like to buffer is drinking small sips of water. Something about pausing to grab a glass of water is calming. Also a large cup of warm tea does this for me. My grandfather who lived to 93 drank a cup of hot water with a splash of milk with every meal.
Mid day I will often buffer with 10-20 minutes of closing my eyes, and letting everything reset. It’s very recharging for my energy levels.
Check lists are my other buffer strategy for when I’m feeling overwelmed or have too many things to do. Write it down with a box next to it.
What are your buffers? Feel free to share in the comments.
I absolutely loved this podcast interview with Dr. Burke-Harris – she is truly inspiring and has spot-on identified how we can each use buffers to protect our bodies from being overwelmed.
YouDaMom.com 
Leave a comment