We all get stressed from time to time. Things don’t always happen the way we would like, sometimes we burn the candle at both ends, and other times we just can’t find enough “me” time.
What are your tricks for dealing with stress? Do you have any rituals that help you?
Lizzi:
- Cleaning: It really is therapeutic for me. It is an activity that doesn’t take much thinking, just doing. Usually when I’m stressed it’s because I think too much. Cleaning lets me calm my brain down, stop the chatter, and concentrate on the now. Also, when my house gets disorganized my stress level rises, even if life is just peachy; cleaning provides immediate relief. Please tell me I’m not the only one who cleans away stress!
- A bubble bath: A no brainer. Hot water + suds + a locked door = peace
- A good book: Sometimes I just need to escape and a good book is the perfect place for me to run away to.
- Cooking: The physical act of doing combined with the nurturing element of homemade food calms me. I like seeing what I create, and I like that it serves a necessary purpose.
- Exercise: Often it’s the first thing to fall by the wayside when I’m stressed out. But, it is the one thing that I need to not forget about. While I exercise I choose to concentrate on my body and what it is doing rather than all the things I “should” be doing instead. Plus it’s time alone, and it’s time that lets me zone out.
Thauna:
- A hot bath: Just that time to sit and no nothing but relax. Let the hot water and whatever yummy smells I add work their magic. I like to add essentials oils to the water, Geranium and Lavender are my favorites.
- A good comedy on TV: just a 30 minute show that makes me laugh out loud will do the trick. Right now my favorite is Modern Family (but I have several others).
- Youtube: I have several things on my youtube favorite list that destress me or uplift my mood. Laughing babies and KISS are my favorite go to ones. Dane Cook standup is always great…his bit on “Crying” is the best mood buster around.
- Driving: I used to listen to music in the car, but for a while now I’ve been using that inbetween time to de-compress. I let my mind wander and go where it wants. New ideas come, solutions, memories. For some reason the ‘monkey-chatter’ steps aside and the good, nuturing, problem-solving, creative thoughts take over when I’m driving.
- Puzzles: I haven’t done a puzzle in a long while and I’ve been feeling like I should. I like the way my mind zones out and my self talk is very positive when I’m working on a puzzle. And it’s just plain fun.
1. Exercise- Mainly Kick Box. By doing it, I automatically reduce stress by 50%. It has an incredible impact on my overall health, mind body and soul.
2. I clean my home like a mad dog.
3. I play the piano and Compose.
4. I write in my gratitude journal. It makes me focus on what is important instead of weighing on why I am stressed.
5. Meditate = Refocusing and Prioritizing.
6. Bubble baths and reading.
I clean too when I’m stressed Lizzi and Thauna, driving is one of mine also. I miss long drives with the radio off…. just thinking.
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1. Hot bath with bubbles and scented candle.
2. Snuggle up close with Kent.
3. Play with Emily and/or watch her play.
4. Vege out in front of the tv.
5. Glass of wine.
(#1 and #5 go great together).
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Wow all are great tips! I go hiking. I like to get out into the woods and just space out, listen to music and turn my brain off!
I start organizing. This is helpful for stress and also helpful when you need to procrastinate!
Thauna, I love Dane Cook.
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