Cheap / free ways to de-stress?

krlyr

RainbowDreamer wrote: »

Exercise I do like, but need motivation. Tried the biggest loser demo on xbox and it looked great. May see if i can pinch the pennies from somewhere to buy it.. then do it daily.

Give yourself achievable goals. I'm so unfit, I do walk my dogs but it doesn't generally push me to get fitter. So I've started the C25K running plan. Currently halfway through week 3 - up to jogging for 3 minutes now - and although it doesn't sound much, I am enjoying the challenge yet know it's achievable. By the end of week 5, there's a 20 minute run - once I check that one off my list then I will definately feel a sense of accomplishment! I find it helps to have this structure rather than a vague plan to do exercise, I know that I have to do my 3 runs a week or I can't progress to the next level.
I find it pushes me to my limit physically but not beyond it. I struggled initially and had to cut my first couple of runs short by 5 minutes but I was determined to do it so I didn't give up, I just acted as if that was a "week 0" and soldiered on. I've managed all the other runs since so if someone as unfit as me can do it, I think almost anyone can!

Mayflower10cat

Walking daily has really helped me. I've found a loop I can walk that's just under 2 miles. I don't always want to go and if the weather's not very nice I have to push myself. I walk briskly, with my arms really working and breathe deeply and appreciatively. I feel better in my head when I get back, usually more cheerful. The motivation is a decent cup of tea and possibly an early lunch when I get back! I'm just about to go out now actually, was waiting for the heavy rain to go off. I sleep better and have noticed my legs and wobbly bottom are firmer, so that's a real plus!

colli

Do you have a local beauty college close by? The one by me does all kinds of treatments for £4-12. It will get you out of the house and a bit of pampering does a world of good I find. Plus you can feel good about helping a young student get their qualification.

Yorkie1

If you like dogs and have a local dogs shelter, they are almost certain to need volunteer dog walkers.

I was once advised to make sure I went out every day to interact with someone, so that I wasn't a hermit. Even if it was just to the local shop to buy the daily paper (so I could then attempt the crossword when I got home).

Lexxi

You can always walk a neighbour or friends dog. Try to get into a routine of getting up, going out and going to bed. Bodyshop do a room spray to help you sleep or try hot milk

charleybear

I destress by having a nice hot bubbly bath & put on a face mask,then i put my PJs on and just chill or watch a DVD.

or i just visit my boyfriend .

chirpchirp

I used to find that kneading bread was a great way to relieve stress. I used to make sure I made a loaf a day, the old fashioned way without the breadmaker.