Ways to reduce stress and relax

[redhaired_dolly]

One thing I can say about all this stress is that I'm getting in some great work outs! It's important to drink lots of water and get plenty of rest, though, too.

[melissak]

I've decided to start a whole bunch of home improvement projects so our (my) place is beautiful when he comes home. This is the first time I have ever lived alone but when he comes back, he's staying with me. So even though all of his stuff is in boxes for the most part, I write him and tell him about the next project...

So far - i am going to reupholster the couch (which is HIS but he's had it for 10 years and said I can do what I want) and paint the walls with a fresco kind of design. I've been thrift store shopping and found a lot of cool, cheap things. He has a love of nice things, so even though I can't afford new things, fixing up the old is a great way for me to focus on the future. (And maybe kind of symbolic, too...)

Plus when we talk about it he says cute stuff like, "If I was there, i would sleep on that new rug you bought...And I would put stuff on the new coffee table" So it gives us something new to look forward to.

[shyshy24]

I think we all need that once in a while to remind ourselves we need to relax. I know I do. I miss my finace way too much and sometimes it bothers me and gets me all tense. So thanks

[HyPhY'z NeNa]

i really needed this! thanks this really helped!

[dancinggal]

I have basically 3 ways of dealing with stress and it depends on what time of day it is to choose which one I use.
If it's daytime and my gym is open, I get on the squash or tennis court and smack the living bejesus out of that little ball. If I'm lucky I can find a partner who is at a higher level than myself who will make me run around the court and sweat it out.
If it's after hours, I will turn out the lights, get the candles going, have some "spa" music playing and just sit in the middle of the room and focus on my breathing. This worked much better at my old house though where I had a gas fireplace that I could just stare at for hours.
The third way is if the kids are at home and I can't get away. I just start cleaning! Vaccuuming, scrubbing the kitchen floor, cleaning the windows...top to bottom the house gets done!

[Angel.l]

Yoga

[FLRebel]

ON one hand I would love to reduce stress levels and relax a bit... but on the other hand I think the stress is what keeps me going right now!

[howiewonderstud]

I pick up paper, scissors and glue and work on a collage-
it doesn't have to be good or artsy- i just work on being creative
OR
I spend a couple of hours baking in the kitchen (pie or cookies)
OR
I paint- whatever i feel like painting with, I pick it up and get to it...

[LovingSoul4u2]

Originally Posted by California Sunshine

All-Natural Stress Busters

By Theresa Tamkins

These tips will help you reduce the stress in your life -- no herbal supplements or medications necessary.


1. Religion
Some studies have suggested that people who use "religious coping" -- seeking God's help, finding comfort in religion -- have lower blood pressure than those who use alternate stress relievers. The simple act of praying for stress relief might be enough to achieve your goal.




6. Bubble Bath
Lock the door, work up a lather, and forget the world exists. Add a few candles -- sage is a soothing scent, or try sandalwood incense -- and maybe a good book or some classical music, and you'll be well on your way to forgetting your horrific commute.

Always knew the 1st on the list was a "stress-buster" and in my heart I knew number 6 was my 2nd "stress-buster". So glad it's official! I LOVE BUBBLE BATHS!!!!!!!

[The Fox]

I usually drive around or just sit in my room in total silence and close my eyes and take deep breaths it helps most of the time. But if I'm really stressed I clean for hours on in.

[PTO-92958]

Originally Posted by California Sunshine

All-Natural Stress Busters


6. Bubble Bath
Lock the door, work up a lather, and forget the world exists. Add a few candles -- sage is a soothing scent, or try sandalwood incense -- and maybe a good book or some classical music, and you'll be well on your way to forgetting your horrific commute.

Ahhhhhh...yesss.
Been doing quite alot of this lately!
I've listened to classical, as long as I can remember, to de-stress, de-escalate, and re-evaluate.
And as for the aroma-therapy piece...I enjoy the scent of amber...I find that to be very calming, yet rich, aromatic, and erotic. Yeah, sandalwood is like that too, but alot of people aren't familiar with the scent of amber...I highly recommend it! Another is lavendar.
Thanks for all the great suggestions!
Cali, you take good care of us in here!
I hope you're feeling well and as stress-free as possible yourself.

[LORNA]

If it is raining (like it is now), just sitting in the rain for a little bit. Not only does it help me to de-stress, but I observe. I take time to notice my surroundings. I come away with a clearer mind.

[VanillaSky]

Get enough sleep. The more rested you are, the better you will be able to handle stress in your life. Most people need about eight hours of sleep every night to function normally. Some need less than that, others need more. Note how long you sleep when you don't set an alarm clock. If, for example, you go to sleep at 11 p.m. and wake up naturally and feeling well rested at 8 a.m., you probably need at least nine hours every night.

Balance your diet. Make sure your diet includes all the nutrients your body needs to keep you going strong. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and limit the amount of sugary and fatty foods and soft drinks you consume. Also cut back on caffeine and alcohol if you tend to overindulge in those things.

These are the 2 things I need to pay attention to. I havent been taking very good care of myself the last month, not getting any sleep and hardly eating at all. Im pretty sure thats why im sick right now.

Ive gotten alot of great ideas from this thread!! thanks!!

[MissinMyBaby8]

Thanks!!! I needed that!!!

[kissmeinheaven]

i have a question for everyone my boyfriend left 2 weeks ago and i have not went out or hung out with friends i dont wanna really drink cause it will make me sad my friends are litterally dragging me out on sat. and say i cant just sit around not do anything and just wait for him ....but i will feel guilty going out and also i want to be honest with him and i dont want to worry him that im going to meet anyone else .......what should i do please lend some advice?????

[DOCSux1]

Simply tell him the truth like you just told us here. He wouldnt want you to stay home alone, getting depressed night after night. Its natural in the beginning to feel guilty because he is locked up, and not with you out having a good time, and I cant say those feelings totally go away, but they become more like "I wish he was here to see this"...

[DOCSux1]

Thanks for posting those destressors. I have Fibromyalgia and my flareups alot of times are triggered by stress, and due to pain in my back, i havent been able to go to the gym like I used to.

One thing that I found that helped me, not the healthiest thing by some to do, but I started tanning about 10 months ago, and found that it helped alot. Apparently the lights are good for depression, and help alot.

[verysadmom07]

Sunshine I want to tell you thank you for your tips on destressing and relaxing. I have a hard time doing both but I took your steps and feel better. I am going to work on this as much as possible. Thanks to each and everyone of you.

[RJs_BabyGirl]

Thanks I'm going to do this after my nightly workout!

[Chynab]

Thanks for the much needed info.

[BJ'sWife0718]

Originally Posted by mrschris

i write to hubby journal style.

This cracked me up! I do the same thing. I have a friend who's husband is in as well and she said after the first year they were down to a couple of letters a month! I thought NO WAY!!!! I can't imagine that. If I wait till I get a phone call or visit I often am so exited about hearing his vioce that I forget to tell him everything that's goin on in life. I write to him almost every day on my lunch and just tell him everything that's happened and how I feel about it. At first I though he doesn't want to hear this crap...but they DO! It gives him a sence of being able to still live life with me and know whats really going on instead of the standard "love you, miss you". It really helps us feel connected better and it is a huge stress reliefe cuz I am definetly a Venter, as my hubby well knows, so I get the relief of lettin it all out to him.

A coupple of my other fav stress reliefs are:

Wine & Chocolate: No, I'm not an alcoholic, but you'd be suprised what a glass of good wine and a piece of yummy dark chocolate can do to lower your blood pressure....**Disclaimer- if you choose this route, focus only on that, don't do homework or dishes, or even laundrey, just sit down on the couch, or on your front porch and sip, bite, relax.....

Yoga: I personally HATE to excersise, but yoga is so easy, and it makes you feel so much better.

Sit outside: Just sit outside (preferably early in the morning or late at night) and just look and listen, watch the sun come up or gaze at some stars. Listen to the breeze rustle the leaves of your tree, hear the birds, dogs barking down the street, kids playing. It's truly awsome to just take a time out and absorb the world without thinking about everything else you have to deal with....if you close you eyes and imagine your man is sitting next to you it works even better.

[Sincerelyciara]

ah man stress has been driving me nuts, i couldnt pick up my boyfriends call yesterday because i didnt have an account with the telephon service. i cried an ocean, ive just been worried about him and i really wanted to hear from him.

hopefully he'll call today

[LeissaC]

Thanks, i will definately try these, i sure do need that, i am stressed out, and unfortunately take it out on the ones i love.
ty and im so glad i found this site!!!!!! its awesome

[RightNaNaNa]

Originally Posted by BJ'sWife0718

Yoga: I personally HATE to excersise, but yoga is so easy, and it makes you feel so much better.

I love Yoga, it makes me feel so good, I practice everynight and it helps me sleep. Its neat how it also can be an energy booster too, sometimes I feel so good afterward I wash bottles, finish laundry and do school work before bed, when before I was really exausted.

I also did tried this the other day, great when you are depressed too! I sat down and wrote a 100 things I love, it could be anything, fav. foods, things to do, what your man does for you ect. listen to some relaxing music while you write.

[JUSTINSLOVE1024]

this sight has been a total GOD SEND TO ME ESPECIALLY LATLEY!I have not heard from my love in about a week....take care ladies!