How do you relax and de-stress?

dandy-candy

I was getting really stressed out yesterday and I find it takes me hours or sometimes days to relax again. What do other people find works for them?

Katiehound

Hope these give you some ideas!
Put on some nice relaxing music & have a mug of (fruit) tea
Sit and read a book, preferably a thriller
read a magazine
If it is a sunny day take the dogs for a walk
Phone a friend and squeal down the phone!
Do some pilates
Go for a swim

Actually the times I get most stressed are when I am driving and someone does something utterly stupid in which case I can only change the music on the CD player!

colli

yoga! I love it! I didn't realise how much tension I had in my muscles until I started. I was physically tense all the time but had always thought of stress as a mental thing. Once your body has started to relax your mind will follow.

I've tried a few dvd's over the years and never really got much from them. I started going to a class at the begining of the year and have found it much more beneficial. I've been to a few different classes though and some are better than others so it's a bit of trial and error to find what suits you.

bargainbetty

A long hot bath by candlelight (I don't care if it's two in the afternoon, I just shut the curtains) with a book and the radio. Turn the phone off.

CallaLily

Knitting I'm just learning but I find it helps me a lot, all the concentration makes me too tired to get stressed I think .

lovebooks_2

Music, relaxation, and mse.

brook2jack

Playing a very loud instrument in a brass band. Volunteering in a variety of ways, thinking about and helping other peoples problems takes your mind off your own stresses. Learning a new skill, preferably in a group and in my case preferably musical... You can't frown playing a ukulele!

j.e.j.

It depends on your stress levels, really. Some people benefit from meditation, or you could put some music on. If there's stuff going on that you need to think through and process in your head it might help you to write, or journal perhaps?

FairyShazza

I have found that the best release for me when very stressed is to go and do some exercise. I tend to go swimming if the pool is open or for a walk with some music on my ipod if the weather is nice.

I also keep some Rescue Remedy nearby as I find that does work for me.

crazyguy

A nice brisk walk will help you preferably towards a pub then get drunk and forget all your woes !

ebbnflow

I definitely second any kind of physical exercise - it's amazing how much that can change your mood.

Also, the classic deep breathing trick! When you are getting worked up, take some time out (even just a few minutes) to focus on your breathing - this is so simple but can really work wonders. When you focus on your breathing it relaxes your body - and it also stops your mind from running riot (with stress/anxiety/anger etc). Look it up online for tips and techniques.

Hope that helps!