Stress. Everyone's got it. Some more than others. I've always tried to be fairly laid back, anticipating problems and trying to focus more on the potential solutions than flailing my arms about and whining. That doesn't mean I'm not stressed. I internalize it. Got the ulcers to prove it.When I get completely frazzled, I like to take a break. Just a quick trip somewhere where I can kick back, sink into some form of water - be it the ocean, a pool, spa or sunken bathtub, have a glass of wine and let it go. Of course, in the real world that isn't always possible. For those occasions, I've tried yoga, meditation, and more
commonly, massive doses of chocolate.I saw a recent article on Yahoo that listed twenty easy tips for lowering your stress. Its mostly based on the theory that planning and dealing with stuff will keep the little things from piling up and pushing you over that edge. Here's their list:
Go to bed thirty minutes earlier than usual.
Get up twenty minutes earlier than usual.
Before you go to sleep, prepare for the morning.
Bring a hat and an umbrella.
Don’t wear tight clothes or uncomfortable shoes.
Make a list.
Listen to a favorite song.
Keep extra cash and stamps in the house.
Be polite and be fair.
Laugh out loud.
Have a good book to read.
Keep an extra set of keys.
Exercise.
Always keep your passport in the same place.
Throw something away.
Don’t say mean things about other people.
Put a Bandaid in your wallet.
Keep gas in the car.
Pay attention to someone else.
Make your bed.
I'm not doing so good on this list. I rush around in the morning to get that extra ten or fifteen minutes of sleep I probably don't need. I never take an umbrella. I never get gas or cash or stamps until I absolutely have to. Its terrible, really. I'm always up for laughing, singing or reading though. What about you? What are your favorite ways to de-stress? Think any of these might help you out?
SP
7 comments:
Well, chocolate is a given. I'm eating some dark chocolate-covered pomegranate bits as we speak (hey, high in anti-oxidants they are!). But a nice meditational soak in a whirlpool tub with wine option is always good for the soul. Perhaps if I had soaked a bit more, my year would have gotten off to a more productive start!
I actually do a lot of the things on this list. Sadly, the sleep thing doesn't help me at all. LOL!
Love the Molten Chocolate Lava Cake photo, but where does it say on the list to eat chocolate? Or am I blind this morning? Anyway, chocolate always brings a smile. :D
I am not the type to get stressed because I don't have a stamp or my head gets wet.
Those things are fixable. Not to say I don't stress. No one hates going to the doctor more than I do, though it isn't rational.
There is something to be said for fantasizing about beating the living daylights out of someone who desperately needs it. I've never in my adult life actually hit anyone, but it's a comfort to know that the possibility exists. I really didn't do much hitting as a child either. I was more of a biter.
I don't stress as much as I used to. Must be the age thing. Or it could be the exercising 4-5 days a week now. Whatever it is, it's working. I'm terrible with the sleep, list, stamps stuff. I was bad about driving around on fumes in the gas tank, until the fuel pump went out. Learned that lesson.
I'm all for massive doses of chocolate for a cure-all. :D
Okay, I'm riding back from the mountains and hoping we can make it all the way home. We went through a patch where we had a half inch of snow on the sides of the road and a few cars had skidded off the road. Talk about stress!!! We'll either make it or not. We have a place to stay if we don't.
Major tip: Don't drive in billowing snow and ice! But we made it home from the mountains all in one piece. Yay!
Exercise is a great stress reliever. I should know! I'm a worrier. So is a long talk with friends, as long as you aren't having the same conversation over and over without moving on to the solutions.
My biggest problem is taking the time to slow down and participate in stress relieving activities . I have to really work on that!
Angel
I go to sauna, eat chocolate and meditate, especially if I have trouble sleeping. Emptying out my head helps me to sleep, or at least rest.
http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101030804/schowto.html
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