How do YOU handle stress?

[mmasmommy]

My current strategy of holding it in until I have a breakdown just isn't working for me anymore.

 

So how do you cope with stress?

[TXMomof4]

You mean it isn't a valid strategy to hold it in til you explode?

 

Seriously though, I will be watching for advice. It's funny, I don't even realize I'm super stressed until I hit the breakdown point. I went to the dr. convinced I was having heart problems because I had that pounding, I can't get a breath feeling and it really was just stress.

 

Listening with eager ears!

[Jean in Newcastle]

Deep breaths

 

Telling the people in my life, "I am really stressed right now. What I need you to do is _____________________ (go outside, set the table, stop bickering. . . pay the bills for me. . . fill in the blank with what works for you at that moment).

 

Taking a quiet time for myself with a good escape book.

 

Not cooking (if I can get away with it)

 

Exercising regularly.

 

Taking a B- complex and fish oil.

[AK_Mom4]

Taking a walk outside - even when the weather stinks - with my audio book playing on my head phones.

 

A hot bath - with the door locked.

[bettyandbob]

I handle stress well, so I go for prevention.

 

I am a much calmer person if I get exercise almost daily. So, I get up at 5a.m. and am out the door by 5:15. I try to walk/jog 3-5 miles daily. I add strength moves too. If I can't go out I do a video. When I'm waiting for one of my children at an activity I am moving then too (walking circles around the community center building or whatever).

 

I dislike rising at 5 and exercising in the dark, alone. But there is no other place to put this in the schedule and if I don't I am not nice. So, sometimes I have to push myself out the door and remind myself how I behaved when I slept in or otherwise missed exercise.

 

I am more tired and you would think that would make me worse in handling stress, but I've noticed it's the exercise that's more needed for me.

[gpsings]

stress naps. ;)

[Kim in Appalachia]

run, do yoga, lock myself in the bathroom and take a bath, take the day off (leave town, by myself), or maybe read a book.

 

Everyone in my house knows when I'm feeling stressed. I seem to make it obvious. :tongue_smilie: The kids will tell me to take a break or to go for a run. If I still seemed stressed at night, my dh will tell to take a bath and go read for a while.

[5knights3maidens]

Chocolate...lots and lots of chocolate. :D I couldn't resist. :lol:

[Hunter's Moon]

I take a hot shower.

 

I am young, but I have to help those with mental illnesses in my family daily so I have to remember to stay calm and patient. I usually hold it in, but the hot shower helps me forget it for the moment.

[justamouse]

Deep breaths

 

Telling the people in my life, "I am really stressed right now. What I need you to do is _____________________ (go outside, set the table, stop bickering. . . pay the bills for me. . . fill in the blank with what works for you at that moment).

 

Taking a quiet time for myself with a good escape book.

 

Not cooking (if I can get away with it)

 

Exercising regularly.

 

Taking a B- complex and fish oil.

 

This. And doing something creative for myself. Sitting down and making ATC cards. Reading for pleasure-that helps me more than anything.

[MamaT]

Going out by myself in the afternoon just get a coffee, window shop, etc. does wonders for me. I have trouble finding the time, but am always glad I did.

[Carol in Cal.]

I pray, mostly.

 

But I also kind of withdraw to some extent. I tell my family very quietly that I am extremely stressed and need to be alone for a while. Then I go lie down with a book or doze, and try to put my mind on something else. I find that if I break the mood ever so briefly I get really refreshed in my attitude.

 

I also benefit from going out to wild nature, especially if there is exercise involved, so a walk in the woods or a hike in the hills are really helpful.

 

From a prevention standpoint, I have ONE calendar, and EVERYTHING is always on it. If I have good lists and am not forgetting anything because everything is down on paper, that makes me able to cover a lot of ground without getting too stressed about it.

[Guest EmmetnLindley]

I do Yoga, *try* to have a nap, read something light or self-care related, talk to a friend, make myself tea, bake if I have the energy, lit a candle and arrange to be by myself for a little. I would love to be more preventive by including regular/fun exercise and building friendships.

[RoughCollie]

Deep breaths

 

I do whatever Jean says to do. :D

[JenneinCA]

Apparently not as well as I thought.

 

We figured out that my migraines are caused by stress. Actually it is the stopping of stress so they happen after the stressful time. In less than a week I have had two. After more than a year with NONE.

 

I don't feel stressed. But obviously my body is more stressed than I thought. I am working on coming up with some ways to cope with stress better, but... ARG!

 

At least my husband is back from a week in Zurich. (What we think was the cause of the first one.) And my dentist appointment went well this morning. (What I think is the cause of today's migraine.)

 

BAH!

[Heatherwith4]

I eat too much...but don't do that! :lol:

There are some other healthy things I do. I take a walk, go shopping, a hot bath/shower, pray, take some quiet time alone (sleep if possible), make lists so I can stay organized. Definitely don't be afraid to ask for help.

[Pretty in Pink]

Exercise.

[phathui5]

I talk to the ladies I work with about it. We're all doulas, so we're good at helping people relax.

 

Exercise! I love working out at the YMCA.

 

Chocolate. Mmmm.