Dealing with stress

[Ice]

I'm just so stressed out right now, it's crazy. It's really starting to get to me. Anyone have any good natural techniques (please no substances) to releave stress? I just can't seem to.

[Reverend Joe]

Stay the hell away from the compter. It literally numbs your mind with prolongued use, and buries your problems, thereby exaserbating them.

Other than that? I find a small amount of pot helps; that, or a small amount of alcohol.

[Ice]

Stay the hell away from the compter. It literally numbs your mind with prolongued use, and buries your problems, thereby exaserbating them.

Other than that? I find a small amount of pot helps; that, or a small amount of alcohol.

Good advice.

[Uesugi Kenshin]

I find that listening to music helps, but don't let it bury your problems. I may be different in that I think a lot about my problems while listening to music, and in that way find a way to deal with the stress and its causes. Give it a try.

[Lemur]

When I'm stressed out I play with my dogs, or play with my son. It's hard to let life get to you when you're faced with the sort of primal joy those creatures have going on. You say: "I'm stressed about the bills." Dog says: "Yaay! Tether toy! Wanna pull pull pull on the tether toy! Play with me!"

Or, to go with the spawn example, you say: "I'm angry about that thing Mike said at the office." And your little child says: "Hoooray! Daddy's on the carpet! Play bear, daddy! You're the bear, and I'm going to jump on you! Yeeeee!"

Those are my two major stress-reducers. A nice cup of tea or coffee never hurt anybody, as well.

Oh, and I forgot one -- reading. Pick up a good book with a page-turning plot, and all of your troubles fade into the background. An hour with a good novel and I've shed all my cares.

Hope something in this thread is useful to ya.

[InsaneApache]

If you get really stressed you could try some breathing (yoga) exercises. It works like this. Breathe in for 3 seconds, hold for 3 seconds, breathe out for 3 seconds, hold for 3 seconds. You can keep this up for a long time and it helps regain the chemical equalibrium in the blood.

You could just sit in a quiet room and close your eyes and do this, it works wonders.

Alternatively you could get one of those relaxation tapes they sell in alternative therapy outlets, they are good for low level stress.

I could be flippant and suggest things like alcohol and cannabis, but these only give the illusion that they are helping with the stress, a bit like a bandaid on a cut.

It is better to find out why you are getting stressed and deal with the cause, rather than the symptons.

But I found the breathing exercises a good way to cool down anyway.

Hope that helps.

[R'as al Ghul]

If you get really stressed you could try some breathing (yoga) exercises. It works like this. Breathe in for 3 seconds, hold for 3 seconds, breathe out for 3 seconds, hold for 3 seconds. You can keep this up for a long time and it helps regain the chemical equalibrium in the blood.

You could just sit in a quiet room and close your eyes and do this, it works wonders.

I could use a stress relief technique myself. I think I'll try the breathing exercises.

It is better to find out why you are getting stressed and deal with the cause, rather than the symptons.

Even if you do find out, it may prove difficult to deal with.
For example, I'm gnashing my teeth during the nights.
I know exactly what problems are bothering me but I'll need
a few months until those go away, I'm afraid.
So, yes it is good to know the causes but that's only the beginning.

[Somebody Else]

A good game of rugby helps... Or indeed most competitive sports - get out there, vent your aggression (safely). Works wonders.

[Fragony]

Rent a boat for a weekend, and you can manage for a year. There is nothing more relaxing then the sight and sound of water. If you want substances, Jasmin tea is very relaxing, almost a high.

[Beirut]

A long, long, long hot shower. Sit quietly after, somewhere comfortable and get into some relaxed breathing. Watch a comedy movie. Create a moment and a scenario that are unto themselves. No interruptions, no phone, no guests, just your private little world that for however long, is yours and yours alone.

When my world was troubled years ago, I saved my brain by knowing that no matter how bad it got, at six o'clock, I was going to open a beer, have a hot dinner with my dog beside me, watch some Star Trek and mellow out. And no matter how bad the day was, nothing could take that away from me.

Simply create your stress free moments and guard those moments with your life.

[Banquo's Ghost]

Getting into a habit of regular meditation helps longer term.

Try this: Find a quiet place. Sit comfortably after dimming the ambient light, but not too dark. Choose a lit candle or if you have it, one of those self-contained fountains in a bowl with water dribbling down an art form or stone. Breath slowly and gently. Focus on the candle flame and watch it for a while. Don't try conciously to empty your mind as you will fail - it's the same as being told not to think of a pink teddy bear

Allow yourself to think only of the flame (or the water). If disruptive thoughts enter your mind, let them for a short moment and then redirect your attention to the flame. Watch its movement, its freedom, its still moments.

Do this for ten minutes or longer each day, and your mind will gradually get used to clearing the concerns away. Your mind will be properly rested and the stress should diminish and the feeling of control increase.

Short term, I agree with many of the ideas already posted. I like to take a long hot bath with aromatic oils. My cats bring me a sense of perspective and stroking a pet lowers blood pressure and stress. A loving (non-sexual) massage from my fiancee is great, as is spending an evening focussing on her needs - making a great meal, taking her out, romancing her - all makes me forget my stress. And find a way to laugh -often and deep. Laughter is the best anti-stress of all.

If you have a faith, prayer helps enormously - not 'Please God, sort me out' kind of prayer but silent meditative contemplation, much similar to the candle technique above.

[BDC]

Pink Floyd.

[InsaneApache]

I was going to open a beer, have a hot dinner with my dog beside me, watch some Star Trek and mellow out. And no matter how bad the day was, nothing could take that away from me.

Sounds ideal.

Pink Floyd.

There's peeps gnashing their teeth because of them. Show some mercy.

[Templar Knight]

When Im stressed out I usually go for a long walk, visit people, listen to Iron Maiden, have a beer, play with my cat etc. A long walk does do wonders for all sorts of problems.

[Ianofsmeg16]

Scream into a pillow for 10 seconds, if you are not satisfied punch it a couple of times. i'm serious, this has worked for me on many occasions, of course talking to a loved one or close friend is very good aswell.

Hope I helped, been feeling stressted myself lately, pressure of exams etc, so i know how you feel mate!

[Ice]

Thank you, fellow org memebers. You have been extremely helpful. I think I'm going to try one of the meditation/relaxing ones.