The Glass Story and Reducing Stress for Dialysis Patients

There is a widely circulated story about “putting down the glass.” The story goes like this:

A psychologist was giving a lecture on stress management to a group of students. As she raised a glass of water, the students expected her to ask the typical “half full or half empty” question. Instead, she asked, “How heavy is this glass of water?”

The students shouted out answers ranging from a few ounces to a couple of pounds. The psychologist replied, “The absolute weight doesn’t matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it’s not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I’ll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralyzed. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn’t change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.”

The lesson of the story is that we must put down the glass of water to give our arms a break. This applies to stress management as well. We all have stress in our lives, but it’s important to put it down for a while and give ourselves a break.

This lesson is particularly relevant for those on dialysis. Dialysis patients have to deal with numerous physical and emotional stressors, such as the time commitment of dialysis treatments, dietary restrictions, and potential complications. These stressors can take a toll on a patient’s mental and physical health.

To reduce stress, dialysis patients should practice self-care and engage in activities that bring them joy and relaxation. This could include exercise, meditation, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing a hobby. I do this by writing this blog, making what I think are cool videos, and taking care of our 1/2 acre part of heaven. It’s also important for patients to communicate with their healthcare team about any concerns or stressors they may be experiencing. I have found mine to be always open, caring, and interested in my well-being.

In conclusion, the “glass story” teaches us an important lesson about stress management. By putting down the glass and taking a break from stress, we can improve our mental and physical well-being. This lesson is particularly relevant for those on dialysis, who face numerous stressors in their daily lives. By practicing self-care and communicating with their healthcare team, dialysis patients can reduce stress and improve their quality of life.

Speaking of self-care, I’m off to take my evening shower.