Stress, Stress and More Stress

Regardless if you suffer from MS, another chronic illness, or no illness, stress in itself can make you feel sick.  Stress just can make any of us feel  much worse.  The physical symptoms of stress include sore and knotting of our necks and backs, stomachs nervous and upset.  Stress can be positive or negative.  I have found that in either one of the types of stress my MS symptoms are more prevalent.  And yes, I am told to relax.  But, no, I haven't quite yet figured out how to just relax.  I think my still wanting to be Super Mom makes me feel guilty.  I feel like I should be doing something, I need to be doing something, so in essence, I don't know how to relax and I am stressing myself out!  

I know that learning to relax is essential to my well-being.  I just haven't quite figured it out.   Now, it's not like I haven't given it a great try.  I have bought a yoga mat, hardly used.  I have bought Denise Austin Yoga DVD's, hardly used.  I have bought Pilates for Dummies, and Pilates for Beginners, barely cracked open.  I have tried to meditate, which is supposed to really good.  To be honest, I haven't gotten the knack for meditation.  What do I think about? Do I say a mantra? Where do I find a mantra? When I try to meditate, why am always thinking of stressful things?  What needs to be done, what needs to be bought, what needs to be cleaned, what are the kids doing?  It's all very confusing. So, if anyone knows the secret or knack to meditation, I am up for suggestions.  Come to think of it, do they have a DVD Meditation for Dummies?