[cmarie]

What are your favorite activities to relieve stress? Waxie enjoyment is an obvious one. Anything else, like listening to soothing music, exercising, meditating, or watching funny TV?

I am under a lot of stress right now and would love to know what works for you! I have a reasonable attitude toward things like comfort food indulgence and retail therapy, but would love to expand my repertoire of calming activities, for the sake of things like wallets and waistlines.

[Aria]

Christy, I enjoy reading a lot as a calming activity. Walking is also a great way to de-stress. The fresh air always has a mind clearing effect on me! Also, taking a warm bath or soaking my feet in B&BW Lavender & Camomile foot soak. Another thing would be a nice cup of hot tea...love that and find it very soothing. Unless it is winter, working in the yard also works for me...lol. Of course, love ice skating in the winter!

Those are all pretty typical, but believe it or not, sometimes I clean house or organize things when I feel stressed too. I don't really have any crafts or hobbies other than reading and gardening. I know gals who really enjoy scrapbooking or making cards as a way to relax.

[Juletones]

Movies work for me. I can always get lost in a good movie. Or certain TV shows that really make me laugh. Exercise works too, but I usually need to talk myself into it. Like Aria said, sometimes organizing things can be calming. My kitties help too. and silence. There's nothing like complete silence to calm the nerves.

I'm sorry you're under a lot of stress right now.

[cyngreen2]

Christy,

I find reading and watching movies to be very relaxing. Do you have Netflix? I've gotten my money's worth and then some out of this service.

I think you love bath/body goodies like I do. I have an overabundance, so I don't purchase those products any more but I find it very relaxing while using up what I have. A nice hot bath with some of my goodies or just a long, hot shower. Add in some classical music or jazz and I'm in Heaven!

And then there's nothing like some mindless TV. I've been known to leave the TV running during a Spongebob marathon. It's mindless, I don't have to really pay attention to it and every now and then I can get a chuckle.

HTH.

[sweet&spiceygrl]

A great way to relieve stress for me is watching funny movies/tv or reading anything funny. Here's some info I found on that -
Laughter is good for your health
Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.
Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

Another good article on it is here
I know it doesn't seem the case sometimes when you're in the midst of it, but try and remember that whatever is making you stressed is temporary. Every problem has an end to it. And we're always here to listen.

[Nautilique]

I am currently reading a book that is helping me de-stress, called A New Earth by Eckhard Tolle. It emphasizes the importance of "being present" or "in the now", pulling yourself out of your mental ruminations of past occurences or worry over future happenings. You can start by focusing on your breath or what ever it is you are doing, and really notice every detail. There's a lot more to the book, but that part helps me in de-stressing. I'm still reading it.

I also de-stress by hugging my dog. One of them, in particular, I feel a special connection to, and I feel like we "get" each other, he's a soul-mate of sorts.

I like mindless games on the computer that are just the swap-3 or something easy like that, as well as in-depth seek and find games that draw you into the story and become quite addictive (and distracting you from your worries).

And one other of my favorite things is spending time in the garden. I love how the dirt feels and smells, the sounds of the birds and the breeze outside while you're working, and the feeling that you are nurturing and growing fruit/vegetables/flowers which are so alive and part of nature.

But my NUMBER ONE de-stress, is sitting by the ocean. Something about the ceaseless sound of the waves, the smell of the salt air which is always breezy, and the sound of the wind in my ears, brings me humbled and to instantaneous peace.

HTH

[cmarie]

Thanks for the great suggestions and kind comments, everyone. I really appreciate it. The stressful situation is scheduled to continue for about another month, and things will get either better or worse after that. Hopefully things will work themselves out in the way they're supposed to be.

[Trent]

Meditation is gaining status as a stress management mainstay because it brings so many wonderful benefits, including (after consistent practice) resilience against future stressors! Many people shy away from learning meditation because they think they don't have the ability to learn the technique or the time to practice regularly. Actually, meditation can be very simple to learn, and even 5 minutes of meditation can make a difference. Learn more about the benefits of meditation, and how to practice 5-minute meditation.
Maintaining a sense of humor can relieve stress in several ways. First, there are specific benefits that you get from laughter that can help you relieve stress and even stay healthier in your life. Also, laughter connects people, and social support is good for stress relief. More, it's hard to stay stressed when you're laughing. And maintaining a sense of humor reminds us that our stressors may not be as menacing as they seem, and probably have solutions, too. For these reasons, laughing in the face of stress can help you feel better in a matter of minutes. Learn more about the benefits of laughter and how to maintain a sense of humor in the face of stress.