Dealing with stress

[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.