Comments on: Ask The Audience: Dealing With Stress

By: Carol

Carol — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 00:54:21 +0000

I just started a hula hoop class – that’s fun, I’m terrible at it so it takes a lot of focus.

I like to read, and watch movies too. Exercise helps a lot.

(Just got diagnoses with crohns, I have skin cancer, and we are coming off 3 years of truly amazing stressors, including a house fire, that displaced us and lost jobs.)

By: Kendra K

Kendra K — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:46:55 +0000

Nap or exercise. And it’s always a tug-of-war between the two!

By: DC Becca

DC Becca — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 01:49:13 +0000

You definately have a point, Heather. The main reason we picked this gym was because they provided great daycare and I knew this would be a motivator for me. My kids are happy, tired from running around, happy to see me when I come to get them (as I am, them), and I get to exercise while listening to my MP3 player or watching a tv BY MYSELF.

Yay gym membership!!!

I get my fitness assessment tomorrow, though (where they measure and calculate just how much of a mess you are). I have a feeling that might get me down for a few days…..but all the more reason to keep going back!

By: Mom of three

Mom of three — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 21:42:49 +0000

KarenR,
Yes, I took one class at the gym because I only had yoga tapes and wanted a live instructor. I was so tired and I hurt so bad after that one class that I couldn’t move for three days. So no more yoga aerobics for me. I thought yoga would be relaxing, but we’d do a downward dog then thirty jumping jacks.

Walking is my normal destresser, but it is currently storming so I think I am going to vegetate in front of the tv.

Have a hobby, which does keep me very busy. But am not really in the mood to work on cemeteries tonight. But keep ‘em coming, this rain can’t last forever.

By: Heather

Heather — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 21:00:49 +0000

I hate running, but it helps just the same. I notice I’m much crankier if I don’t get to the gym several times a week. A caveat, I could probably get as much relief from any activity with quality childcare where I wasn’t pestered for a whole hour.

By: DC Becca

DC Becca — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:51:23 +0000

I just had my first session at the gym…..and I must say that I am completely relaxed and laid back and chill. I have been somewhat hopped up lately (so much to do, so much TO DO!). Having returned from the gym….I am reclined in my comfie office chair waiting for the popcorn to pop, laundry is a something that can wait until later (ha!).

Becca is going to watch a movie and catnap on the couch, me thinks.

Maybe getting a good workout in every day will help me de-stress. I definately feel pretty darn relaxed on day one, anyway!

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:07:27 +0000

I would like to note that the tub comment isn’t typically an outdoor activity, though if that would relax you more, then go for it. Just clear out the kids first.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:06:33 +0000

My husband always tells me when I am stressed I need a hobby (which doesn’t help usually btw), but he is right. Find something you enjoy and that relaxes you. It helps if its low cost, or free for me, but if money isn’t a problem then it doesn’t need to affect you.

I like getting outside and here are a few things I enjoy:
Gardening -for some reason mindless manual labor like turning soil and adding compost helps me destress, though the sneezing might deter you
Soak in the tub – with bath/epsom salts, even if its just a foot soak. It helps achy muscles and my mental state
Swings – there is something to be said for swinging until you feel that ‘oh gosh I am falling’ feeling.
Go visit someone, or have them visit you – but only if you won’t feel freaked out about a chaotic house. A listening ear is almost always helpful…as is some good dark chocolate.

By: KarenR

KarenR — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 19:29:23 +0000

(fellow) mom of three: I’m sorry, yoga aerobics? What the what? Now I’m destressing with laughter…

By: Angela

Angela — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 19:17:17 +0000

I guess my destresser is baking/cooking. I am really bad at it and most things turn out burnt, but for some reason it makes me feel better. It does help that I eat pretty much everything.

Another would be walking. If I am having a bad day and it is nice out, i am gone and I walk and walk. I have been know to walk 5-10 miles with the kids and just walk the stress right out. I live in SD though so this only really works for about 4-5 months out of the year here.