What do you do to combat stress?

Any other type-A's out there that are constantly stressing about something? I find the older I get the harder it is on my body. It's all ridiculous stuff, getting the kids out the door, my priorities at work switching, etc. etc. we're talking non-life-altering things.

I've tried yoga and that's great for relaxing in the moment but does nothing later on when a stressor hits.

Besides Xanax, is there anything else you do to make yourself chill out all the time and also when you're in a situation that stresses you out??

What do you do to combat stress?

Oh gosh, I am so type A it is almost a disorder. I wake up every morning with fingernail marks in my palms because I clench my fists while I sleep. I try breathing techniques when I'm really having an episode, and in the car I listen to the Calm Living Podcast. I don't know if its helping to be honest.

I haven't slept without the help of Ambien in about 6 years.

ETA: I'm anxious to hear if anyone has any helpful remedies.

Message edited 11/3/2016 3:38:49 PM.

Re: What do you do to combat stress?

drink, drink heavily!!!

i kid... kind of.

i have found that breathing with the count of ten helps me lately.

breathe in 1
breathe out 2
in 3
out 4

up to ten and then start all over again. having to keep track of the numbers helps me bring down my heart rate when i'm ready to kill.

i laughed when i first heard of the technique, but it's been helping me lately.

Re: What do you do to combat stress?

I run.

Like you said, yoga is great for the moment, but it's not going to burn all that extra energy and anxiety. When you're body is physically exhausted, it lowers your anxiety levels significantly. I swear I'd be on anxiety meds if I didn't run. It's not just a momentary thing, it keeps me calmer for the entire day and often next day.
My husband knows when I miss a run, I act noticeably different.

Re: What do you do to combat stress?

I also run. It helps me manage stress and anxiety a lot.

I also find that meal prepping on Sundays helps alleviate the week's load for me. I always prep the week's lunches - and usually breakfasts and some stuff for dinners as well - on Sundays. For me, cooking is therapeutic so that helps me de-stress...and knowing that all of our lunches are accounted for and prep work for weeknight dinners is done really helps me feel more in control of tackling the week.

Also, sleep. Turn off the electronics and wind down properly.

Re: What do you do to combat stress?

I like to read.

If I'm in a stressful situation, I think of the worst things that have ever happened in my life; I remind myself that I have survived those instances and will survive this new one too.

Message edited 11/3/2016 5:18:00 PM.

Re: What do you do to combat stress?

book a trip or binge on chocolate

What do you do to combat stress?

ask yourself, is what Im stress about something I can control? if the answer is no, teach yourself to let it go. Its hard, it takes work and practice, IT works. Learn Mind fullness.

Walking, listening to music. Deep breathing.

Re: What do you do to combat stress?

Re: What do you do to combat stress?

Re: What do you do to combat stress?

I take me time.
It's a day I spend in bed with a good cup of coffee, a stack of magazines that haven't had the time to read, some music playing. A nap too.
So refreshing and recharging.
Of course chocolate and wine help too.

Re: What do you do to combat stress?

When I'm stressed out I try to get whatever I can under control so I feel better. I clean and organize around the house, or my desk/office if I'm at work. Also I find walking around helps get some of the nervous energy out. Also talking to someone about whatever is going on is helpful too.

Re: What do you do to combat stress?

What do you do to combat stress?

Work out....a lot!

As a PP said, I prep all meals on Sundays (lunches and dinner). Huge time saver!!

I also set the timer on the washer so it goes on 1 hour before we get home. Then I just move it over to the dryer. This sounds silly but has been life changing!!!

Message edited 11/3/2016 9:29:25 PM.

Re: What do you do to combat stress?

Re: What do you do to combat stress?

I clean. Like crazy, meticulous cleaning and organizing. Whenever I am am stressed, angry, or upset I just start cleaning. Sometimes I'll start cleaning and not even realize for a while that the reason I even started was because I was feeling "off". I guess it's a good way to deal with stress, keeps my house nice!

Re: What do you do to combat stress?

Posted by Hofstra26

I clean. Like crazy, meticulous cleaning and organizing. Whenever I am am stressed, angry, or upset I just start cleaning. Sometimes I'll start cleaning and not even realize for a while that the reason I even started was because I was feeling "off". I guess it's a good way to deal with stress, keeps my house nice!

Re: What do you do to combat stress?

Posted by LiveForMoments

Posted by Hofstra26

I clean. Like crazy, meticulous cleaning and organizing. Whenever I am am stressed, angry, or upset I just start cleaning. Sometimes I'll start cleaning and not even realize for a while that the reason I even started was because I was feeling "off". I guess it's a good way to deal with stress, keeps my house nice!

I wish this was my coping mechanism.

Re: What do you do to combat stress?

Posted by NervousNell

Posted by LiveForMoments

Posted by Hofstra26

I clean. Like crazy, meticulous cleaning and organizing. Whenever I am am stressed, angry, or upset I just start cleaning. Sometimes I'll start cleaning and not even realize for a while that the reason I even started was because I was feeling "off". I guess it's a good way to deal with stress, keeps my house nice!

I wish this was my coping mechanism.

Me too! God how I wish I was like that.
Cleaning and organizing is actually the root of all my stress, not the cure! LOL

Re: What do you do to combat stress?

It used to be cleaning. Especially my bathroom. Focusing on bleaching the living crap out of everything made me feel better. LOL.

Now it's working out! If I've had a hard day at work, I literally crave a work out. I can't wait! And my therapist once said, if you're thinking of your problems while you're working out, you're probably not working out hard enough. Which is soooo true because if I feel negative thoughts creeping back in, I just push myself harder. It's awesome!

Other than that, adult coloring books have helped me (with some meditation music in the background).

Re: What do you do to combat stress?

Re: What do you do to combat stress?

Nothing has helped me, excepts meds. Sometimes I think we need to move away from here.

Re: What do you do to combat stress?

I really wish things like working out and cleaning would releive my stress.
I'd be so much better off for it

only booze and ass sitting seem to do it for me!

Re: What do you do to combat stress?

Posted by Hofstra26

Posted by NervousNell

Posted by LiveForMoments

Posted by Hofstra26

I clean. Like crazy, meticulous cleaning and organizing. Whenever I am am stressed, angry, or upset I just start cleaning. Sometimes I'll start cleaning and not even realize for a while that the reason I even started was because I was feeling "off". I guess it's a good way to deal with stress, keeps my house nice!

I wish this was my coping mechanism.

Me too! God how I wish I was like that.
Cleaning and organizing is actually the root of all my stress, not the cure! LOL

Re: What do you do to combat stress?

Thanks everyone, I was looking for more "in the moment" things to cope with stress, to get your heart to stop racing or stomach churning. I try to tell myself not to stress, that it's something totally ridiculous but that doesn't work. I wish there was a magic chill pill to calm down.

I appreciate the workout, prep meals ahead, set the laundry advice, it's all stuff I'm already doing, I try to pride myself on getting everything done as efficiently as possible which is probably part of the stress problem