Stress Releasers

[TPapp]

I know most of us on the board are here to work on our muses and help each other with that and that this is a great place to build on and find support for our "alternative mindsets". Yet even though we are working towards our dreams, which can get us through the day, we still get stressed out...it's inevitable.

What are some of the things you do to relieve your stress(whether 4HWW related or not)? I'll start things off:

1) When I'm on my computer researching muse related topics or just killing time I like to listen to reggae(Bob, Stephen, Ziggy or Damien Marley, Peter Tosh, Gregory Isaacs, etc.) or Soma FM's 'Drone Zone' (http://somafm.com/) when I'm going to sleep.

2) Take a drive in my 67' Mini or on my moped(this can be done on any form of personal transportation provided you take a route you would normally never go on).

3) Go somewhere with an inspiring view by yourself. Soak it all in and just think of things that make you happy, sounds corny but it works.

Please add your techniques.

[TimW]

I go shoot things and blow stuff up (as a guest of a local National Guard unit...).

Or I read.

Or I go shoot competitions.

Or I watch movies.

Or play with the dogs.

Or talk to folks on my ham radio.

Or read.

But mostly go shooting. It's very Zen.

[jonparker83]

I get really stressed myself quite a bit too..

I find the perfect way to get rid of it is to go to the gym and lift to the point of almost being sick... When I do that I just don't have enough energy left for stressing.

Another thing that I find quite a problem is forgetting to eat and drink enough especially if I'm 'in the zone' when coding. If i realise I'm stressed, the first thing I do is drink a liter of water and if I've not eaten in a while, do that as well.

Usually works pretty well!

[jonparker83]

Just thought of another one actually...

For me it's usually a frame of mind that makes me 'stressed' e.g. I've got too many projects on or I've not got enough time.

Writing lists really helps get the clutter out of my head and down onto paper so that I can focus on just one thing.

Although I don't use it religiously (or much), it's in these times that the things I've learned from Dave Allen's "Getting Things Done" really help.

[islandone]

[QUOTE=jonparker83;13796]Just thought of another one actually...

For me it's usually a frame of mind that makes me 'stressed' e.g. I've got too many projects on or I've not got enough time.

Writing lists really helps get the clutter out of my head and down onto paper so that I can focus on just one thing.

I relate to this and have found that putting things on paper the night before and prioritizing can be helpful. Also I have been meditating for about 2 months now. In the middle of the day a 10 minute meditation slows me down and allows me to start over with a clear head. Also there is some awesome cd's from centerpointe research I highly recommend called holosync.

[Marcie]

Nature walk - nothing does me better than a good trail walk - except when I find a tick or something later :P - It's good to connect with nature - and walking allows me to slow down and take it all in - and - b-r-e-a-t-h-e! :)

[cleverusername]

I find writing stream of conscious for about an hour every morning when I wake up gets most of the gobbledygoop out of my head on onto the page, allowing me to hit the day with a clear plan of action and without a bunch of psychic clouds hanging over me. Plus it's a great way to brainstorm.

Other things to kill stress:
Playing music solo or with friends
Going for a walk (this one really helps me focus)
Reading
Listening to records. Not just putting on music but really paying attention to it.

[froldt]

I grew up in the country, and living in the city now (for school) gets to me after some time. Every month or two my wife and I head about an hour out of the city and go backpacking/camping/hiking in a National Forest. If we can't do that, we go to some of the larger city parks and walk the trails.
There's nothing like nature to calm us down!

[webgal]

I run. Or lift weights to de-stress. I'm not a killer athlete at either one, but it does the job.

[SelfDefenseSource]

One thing that really relieves my stress is to teach martial arts classes, or self defense classes. It's really empowering to see someone improve in physical ability and become competent fighters.

I also am a drummer, play guitar, and play chess with my kids.

[Crickwat]

When I get stressed out I listen to my favourite music. Soothing music works wonders. When working if I feel stressed I go out for some fresh air. Breathing deeply also relieves the tension.

[EsotericRule]

Interesting how different personalities deal with stressors. Maybe one should note what causes repeated stress (rather than eustress) and reduce the causations?

Other than that, I find physical exercise of any sort does well as a first line of defense (generates endorphines which are the best subconscious controlers of mood). The second line of defense is what others here do...get your bloody mind off the subject...any way you can. :p

Worry/stress is a rocking chair - tons of action with absolutely no true movement/benefit.

[earthmother65]

cut the grass, pull weeds, garden - physical work, you see fast results, and you can still sort through things in your mind so you can get rid of the stress.

another good one - my two sons do awesome head massages!!!

[badhank]

do i have to b the first to say it?

sex



take that society!!!!!!!!!!!111