Sherri in MI Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 Believe it or not, for me doing something with my hands that is mindless really helps - like doing the dishes. Doing anything physical: vacuuming, exercising, going for a walk. Sometimes calming music helps. Talking to a friend. Praying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brookspr Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 Exercise, yoga, listening to music, walking the dog, calling a friend. Deep breathing from the diaphram is supposed to help. I also try to meditate a few times a week. Everyday would be ideal but it just doesn't happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer3141 Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 Steaming hot baths and new music on my iphone. Cleaning sometimes soothes me. If I can make something "perfect: again, that is very relaxing to me. Same with cooking/baking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 When I'm angry, I furiously clean. I have arranged my life so that other stressor do not enter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tabinfl Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 Ice cream! :drool: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 Oh, man. I wish cleaning was what I did when I was stressed!! I'd love a house that clean! :D (This is me, green with envy for those that clean when stressed!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cera Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 I clean or run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 Oh, man. I wish cleaning was what I did when I was stressed!! I'd love a house that clean! :D (This is me, green with envy for those that clean when stressed!) Me, too! Cleaning is just never on my radar.... Stress relievers for me....a brisk walk, ice cream, yoga (especially in a class situation), reading something engrossing but easy--romance, mysteries, sic-fi.... An hour on the porch swing with sunshine, a good book, and a snack generally makes my stress levels less. Prayer, especially written ones. Sleep... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen in CO Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 I typically pace and eat a piece or two of dark chocolate while fuming. Once I'm calmed down a bit and don't feel like I'll strangle anyone, a walk helps. If I'm still stressed, I put away stuff and throw away stuff then resume pacing, fuming and eating chocolate. It doesn't happen frequently, but when it does, I do explain to my kids that I'm having a tantrum. It helps them to understand their own feelings too. A walk, a healthy snack, a nap and a shower will help to restore my balance after my tantrum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
********* Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 I'm not very good at this; calming myself when I'm stressed. And I've had a lot of stress lately. Sometimes cleaning helps. And praying. But mostly I just let the stress eat at me. It gets my stomach upset. Oh, spending time with my boys, just cuddling or playing, helps sometimes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy22alyns Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 I watch mindless TV. Sometimes I can knit, other times I'm even too stressed for that. Sometimes I have a glass of wine too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedmom4 Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 When I am feeling stressed having my home in order and clean is calming so I organize and clean. I also watch mindless TV to keep me from thinking about the stress. Unfortunately I also mindlessly snack! Elise in NC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shanvan Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 Many of the things mentioned above depending on the level of stress. Curling up with the cat is also very helpful. She so soft and soothing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Rat Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 Organizing. When my dh comes home and I've got a closet torn apart, the first thing he asks is, "What's wrong?" Tetris type video games seem to help me lately, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 I reread a book. If might, e.g. turn back to some favorite pages in a Barbara Tuchman book or a beloved book of correspondence -- currently my go-to books for relaxation are the Lyttelton/Hart-Davis letters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lattedrinker Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 running, stretching to get rid of tension, drinking tea, relaxing baths Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 A nap. My DD grabs her cat and heads to her room for a while. The cat purrs when DD pets her, and it calms DD down. I love that she does this. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I.Dup. Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 I had no idea cleaning was so common. That is what I do too. Dh knows when I am furiously cleaning that something's up, lol. I also go to my room for a break since I am an introvert, but I have to wait for dh to get home to do this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelingChris Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 When I am stressed, I listen to music, watch the birds on my windowsill, eat dark chocolate, watch a very engrossing murder mystery. read something that is engrossing- usually a mystery. In the last few minutes, and I really mean literally, I have had a Downy woodpecker, Red Bellied woodpecker, White Breasted NUthatch, mourning doves, house finches, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted titmice and Blue Jays visit my window closest to this computer I am writing on.I love feeding the birds, its like I have the enjoyment of their presence but they get their freedom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 The only thing that really works for me is tackling the thing that's making me nervous. However, my go-to crutch right now is jigzone.com! Don't tell my boss . . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mekanamom Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 Yes, cleaning. I think it's common because it is something we can *do* and *control* when things may seem generally out of control (stressful). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lavender's green Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 Cleaning, chopping vegetables for dinner, walking, gardening. Doing things with my hands helps me from over-analyzing and then stressing. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caitlinsmom Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 I read fluff. The fluffiest cotton candy I can find. Debbie Macomber or Nora Roberts usually does the trick. I also will go for a drive, wander around Barnes and Noble, or check out Pinterest. I find that the activities I choose are ones that allow me to completely withdraw into myself while still being present in some sort of way. I am easily over stimulated and highly anxious most of the time. I have learned to check myself before I get to full stress mode as have the kids and dh. I try to keep it all in check with a once a week "me" night. Since I am such a party gal I usually spend the time at BN or this great used book store. Taking this night to myself has really helped me cope in the long run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ailey Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 I run, usually with the toddler in a stroller and two kids on scooters. It does the trick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aggieamy Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 Cooking - particularly a dish that requires a lot of chopping for prep. That is kind of my happy place. Also I snack but that doesn't help. I wish I ran. That would be better than eating when stressed and I'd be skinny. :) If I'm stressed because I'm overwhelmed with things I have to get done in a short period of time then I just start working. Slow and steady helps me feel better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Elf Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 Talk to my DH. Read a book. Take a hot bath. Play a game on my laptop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justamouse Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 Fiction books that I can in read one day, a stack of them, and skittles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandelion Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 Make a list of things I can do to get whatever is causing me stress back under control. Call my mom or a friend. Go for a walk. Go for a drive. Crank up my favorite music and clean. Sit down with a glass of wine or tea and a great book. Take a shower. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-ninja. Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 exercise I recently bought the kids a punching bag.....I love that thing.....for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckymama Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 I spent three years under great stress---first watching my mother die slowly from ovarian cancer, adjusting to her death, then having my father die suddenly and having to settle their estate/sell the house etc. At times of really high stress I would weed while crying or praying. Cleaning didn't work as well because I felt the need to be alone. No one follows me when I'm weeding. I ate too much and probably had too much wine at times. Walking fast worked. The absolute best stress reliever turned out to be time with dh, including time ;) with dh. Now when I feel any stress or anxiety creep up on me I have him hold me for an extended period of time. Works like a charm :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ondreeuh Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 The only thing that really works for me is tackling the thing that's making me nervous. However, my go-to crutch right now is jigzone.com! Don't tell my boss . . . . Jigzone got me through an insomnia period. I have found something better ... Nonograms - online puzzle game I do the 25x25 grids and it takes me around 30 minutes, though I try to ignore the timer. Some games take me hours because I have to keep leaving them. I still submit my score to the "hall of fame" against all the cheaters, lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 TeA Or a nap Or actual tea in a cup Or I go into my dance room and work really hard on the newest thing I'm doing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caroljenn Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 Nice, hot bubble bath and a good book or mindless magazine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TammyinTN Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 I clean the house and organize. If I can control my household environment then things are always better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Marple Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 I do crossword puzzles, I play solitaire or bejeweled blitz (on computer). Gardening works well, too. My son says I've gotten such high scores (higher than his) on BB because I'm always on it :laugh: Should I tell him I'm always on it because I'm stressed :glare: and maybe it's because I have teenage boys???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pod's mum Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 (edited) Years ago it was ALWAYS get on the motorbike and go for a ride, preferablely fastish with lots of corners. That worked sooo well. But I was not a parent then, so was immortal. Stopped being fun suddenly, with parental responsibility. ETA: I have not found any equal substitute. Edited February 4, 2013 by Pod's mum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soror Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 I like to talk on the phone and depending on how upset I am I might just want to talk about anything else and sometimes I want to talk about it. I like to talk on the phone and clean without interruptions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 This time of year it is heading outside and scooping poop or otherwise messing with the horses/chores in the barn. When the weather is nicer I like to tack up my horse and go for a ride. I posted one time on facebook that nothing clears the mind......and sinuses.....like scooping poop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 I shop. I don't ususally end up buying much, or anything at all. I just go from store to store and wander around. Stores like TJMaxx, Homegoods, Ross, Marshalls. Lots of variety, with fun and odd things to look at. Last Thursday, DD6 had a rough day and I got some other bad knews that is going to cost us $500-1000 due to someone elses mistake. DD6 had a rough morning at home, then got suspended from kindergarten by 9:20am. I spent the afternoon shopping for healthclubs that would work for her to get some energy out (getting quite irritated at the club I drive by everyday with her due to thier poor customer service) trying to figure out how to fit it in the budget. She threw a huge tantrum in the car coming home and I was DONE DONE DONE with her! I walk in the door and dh made a joke about it, and it set. me. off. I knew he wasn't trying to be hurtful so I left the house to cool down. I came home 5 hours later at 10:30pm. I turned off my phone and just wandered around town finally ending up at Target and Kohls since they are open late. lol Dh knows me and knows to just leave me alone until I come home. lol The beauty of living in a bigish city is that I never saw a single person I knew the entire time I was gone. No one bugged me, wanted anything from me, tried to talk to me or got in my way (a tear stained face probably helped with those a bit). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freeindeed Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 Exercise. Hot bubble bath by candlelight. Read a fluff magazine. Watch a favorite movie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JennyD Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 Go for a swim. If I can't get to the pool, then I run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephanieZ Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 Xanax. +/- Benadryl. :leaving: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maela Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 Unfortunately, my first choice is usually eating. :glare: I also like being alone. Cleaning the house helps when I'm frustrated or angry. Taking baths with a good book and a glass of wine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrissiK Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 Believe it or not, for me doing something with my hands that is mindless really helps - like doing the dishes. Doing anything physical: vacuuming, exercising, going for a walk. Sometimes calming music helps. Talking to a friend. Praying. I agree. I pull weeds. Take a walk. Something that I don't have to think about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucyStoner Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 When I am just generally stressed or running on fumes and need to take care of myself: Hot, hot bath. Exercise- yoga, roller skating, stretching, biking, lifting weights as far as relaxing goes. "tea"- the WTM version or the actual beverage. Cooking Read a book that has nothing to do with homeschooling. When I am at a boiling point and need to calm down immediately so as to not to do anything regrettable: A Time Out Breathing Then when I can think clearly, I deal with what it at hand and make a plan for one or more of the above things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 Xanax. +/- Benadryl. :leaving: Awwwww, you stole my answer!!! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 ... It doesn't happen frequently, but when it does, I do explain to my kids that I'm having a tantrum. It helps them to understand their own feelings too. ... I do this too. Otherwise I am afraid they will internalize all of that mess. Most often it's work stress crashing into parenting stress. Not their fault. Of course it would be nice if I never lost my cool at all, but let's not be dreamers. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 I clean the house. It makes me feel like I am in control of something. If the house is clean, I read. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 I don't calm myself very easily. Fortunately I'm a very low-stress person, unless things get really bad. When they get really bad, that's when it's difficult to calm myself! I usually have to take myself out of the situation completely. Make myself leave the house, get out, walk my dog, talk with friends, something that's a complete distraction and doesn't give me a chance to think about the issue at all. I pray throughout. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie in Ma Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 I clean. When my house is in order I can cope better. If the house is clean, I play Lego video games. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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