Dealing with stress

[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.