[OT] How do you deal with stress?

hambone1 · Post by **hambone1** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 10:10 am

I'm curious as to how others deal with the stresses of everyday life. I know for some it's escapism into drugs, booze, self-flagellation, etc, but I'm interested in a healthier alternative!

So what do you all do when the pressure's on?

forge · Post by **forge** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 10:27 am

http://www.sheepcull.co.uk/

brightonalex · Post by **brightonalex** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 10:30 am

Exercise. When I started making myself exercise my seretonin levels went through the roof, I started sleeping properly, its unbelievable.

Doctors prescribe it to people with mild depression, but people get annoyed thinking the idea is ridiculous.

For stress in particular games like tennis and squash are really good. It channels aggression, and afterwards you are too tired to feel stressed. Honestly it is the best thing i think.

ciw · Post by **ciw** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 10:43 am

second the exercise. it just throws everything into a very different perspective, makes you realise you can actually cope with all the shit that's bothering you.

rock climbing is awesome, it's like a mix of exercise, meditation and many other things, but it unfortunately takes all day. to get lots more endorphins in much less time, go for a run. it's difficult at first, before you realise that you actually like the feeling!

just been starting to learn meditation too. that's definitely useful, but (for me, right now) not nearly as powerful as exercise.

eyeknow · Post by **eyeknow** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 10:45 am

naaa, excercise stresses me out.........oh, I do it.......even though it doesn't look like it

I can tell you what doesn't work..........over the counter "supplements" like st johns wart/kava/etc........

You'll get high at first, but it makes allot of people edgy after a while.

Ya know, beleive it or not...........I think some basic computer games like solitare or simular work to some degree........

ciw · Post by **ciw** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 10:50 am

eyeknow wrote: Ya know, beleive it or not...........I think some basic computer games like solitare or simular work to some degree........

you're right in some ways, (not for me though I have rsi!)

i almost never watch telly. however, sometimes I actually have a need for passive entertainment. it's not good if that goes unfulfilled. your brain needs time to think, to be active, to create, to reflect, to sleep and yes also to vegetate.

rentanutta · Post by **rentanutta** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 11:52 am

Exercise, sex and blowing shit up on my PSP/PS2

Those seem to work for me.

minimal · Post by **minimal** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 11:54 am

a walk in the nature will do it for me most of the times.

Tarekith · Post by **Tarekith** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 12:07 pm

I run or mountain bike daily to cut down on stress, walks in the woods are good too. If it's the weekend, a nice bottle of wine and a quiet dinner at home with the wife works wonders too (well, as long as she's in a good mood).

sweetjesus · Post by **sweetjesus** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 12:16 pm

taking a hot shower then learning to switch from really hot to cold (not freezing so u give urself a heart attack) helps the nerves and stuff too

i also feel refreshed a day or two after i get on the piss

also proper breathing is important using ur diaphragm isntead of chest for breathing is better for anxiety as small amounts of adrenaline get released whenever you use your chest.

subterFUSE · Post by **subterFUSE** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 12:44 pm

I don't get too stressed lately... although I have had good reason to be stressed.

I do workout 6 days a week, and have a personal trainer 3 days a week. I am captain of my lacrosse team, and also play golf. I am actually healthier than I've ever been in my life. Not sure if that has much to do with it or not. But it seems to be a common link among the others who posted in this thread... so maybe that's it?

Benshik · Post by **Benshik** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 12:55 pm

i like to observe people.

to go to a cafe, a park or a street ive never been before and look at people. it calms me down and makes me realise that the things i get nervous for are so futile...

Ben

dodgyedgy · Post by **dodgyedgy** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 1:05 pm

Drinking and killing.

Cant recommend it enough.

Booze, drugs, whores and murder.

Or exercise and writing music..

besides a little healthy stress never did anyone any harm!

mercyplease · Post by **mercyplease** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 1:47 pm

dodgyedgy wrote:Drinking and killing.

Cant recommend it enough.

Booze, drugs, whores and murder.

Or exercise and writing music..

besides a little healthy stress never did anyone any harm!

hambone1 · Post by **hambone1** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 2:20 pm

Thanks for the replies!

Trying to de-stress using the power of positive thought used to work for me, but now it seems to backfire. The more I try to not think about the stressors, the more it makes me think about them!

I'm sure exercise helps. But when I'm stressed, it's the last thing I want to do.

A little stress is probably not a bad thing, particularly if it helps you to get stuff done. As a proscratinator, I know that all too well. I'm my own worst enemy...