Alas, I need your help. Here's my query: When you are feeling temporarily overwhelmed and stressed out, what do you do to de-stress?
I think I just might just curl up
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Saturday Query
Alas, I need your help. Here's my query: When you are feeling temporarily overwhelmed and stressed out, what do you do to de-stress?
I think I just might just curl up
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Visit all of the blogs in the Out on a Limb Network, including:
Mama’s Losin’ It
Seven Clown Circus
Mayhem & Moxie
Scary Mommy
Additional Sponsors
Campaigns
I'm a Twisted Insider!
Use coupon code INSIDERS to take 15% off your order from www.twisted-silver.com Not to be combined with other offers. Offer expires 3/31/2010
Use coupon code INSIDERS to take 15% off your order from www.twisted-silver.com Not to be combined with other offers. Offer expires 3/31/2010
80 comments:
The most theraputic for me is running to some really great music. something that fits whatever mood I'm in.
Doing something that is just my thing( a hobby for example) will sometimes work also.
Service to others can help but is hard to start initially if really stressed out.
Good luck, hope you are de-stressed soon.
If the good book is a Vampire story starring Edward and Bella then I'd highly recommend that...
I tend not to stress... I'm painfully mellow...but when I do feel some creeping up, hiding out from my family (sorry guys) with some wine and blogs usually does the trick.
Depends on the source of the stress. I read when I'm overwhelmed or worried or frustrated, but somewhere in the back of my mind I am processing and usually come up with a plan of action.
So if curling up with a book is what you need, take care of yourself for a while in that way.
Let's see - I cry, I sleep, I exercise (away from the kids), or if the stress is just too much stuff to do - I just dig into it and get it done.....yeah that is about it.
Good luck! I hate being stressed but it seems like I am pretty frequently :(
I've had plenty of experience with being overwhelmed these last 2 yrs!
It all depends on the situation. First, I try to prevent it. I HAVE to have one night a week without any children or people talking to me. I am unindated with conversation all.the.time. So I need this for my sanity to regroup so to speak. Thursday, I realized I had not had alone time in over 8 days, and realized that was why I was overwhelmed.
If it is during the day and I have the kids, I will take some time during nap/quiet time to just relax and not spend it cleaning.
Also exercising at the YMCA has helped A LOT. It gets me out of the house, the kids have fun at Child Watch, and I get to listen to my music or watch the tv that is on there.
What's got you stressed?
I've had plenty of experience with being overwhelmed these last 2 yrs!
It all depends on the situation. First, I try to prevent it. I HAVE to have one night a week without any children or people talking to me. I am unindated with conversation all.the.time. So I need this for my sanity to regroup so to speak. Thursday, I realized I had not had alone time in over 8 days, and realized that was why I was overwhelmed.
If it is during the day and I have the kids, I will take some time during nap/quiet time to just relax and not spend it cleaning.
Also exercising at the YMCA has helped A LOT. It gets me out of the house, the kids have fun at Child Watch, and I get to listen to my music or watch the tv that is on there.
What's got you stressed?
As long as there is light at the end of the tunnel, look towards that.
Surely there is a light?
In the meanwhile, my de-stresser involves magazines, pink cupcakes and bubble baths. Oh. And shop. Shop.
ok so this might be a little cliche but what I do depends on the level of stress. I really try not to get to stressed out about things. Having kids, especially triplets, has really mellowed me out.
Here is what I do, write either blog or journal, have a glass or 2 of wine and/or go out either by myself or with a good friend. It seems to help every time. I don't do all 3 but can if the stress is high enough.
I definitely cry first and then I try to pinpoint what is making me so overwhelmed and do what I can to aleviate it. Sometimes just being able to express what it is that is bothering me helps hugely. A little personal time never hurts either, whether its shopping, reading, sleeping...whatever makes you happy.
I get all the boys who are here, and go on a LONG Gator ride. We even stop by the store down the road and get a canned drink out of the machine along the way. Coke fixes everything... right? Just being in the pasture relaxes me. Cows are such calm animals... most of the time, lol. If we can't do that, we head out of the house for some Chinese rice at the mall. Certainly don't want to cook for everyone when I am stressed out!
Oh about a massage at a spa - with a jacuzzi for relaxing prior to the massage. And then a good book.
I sweat it out and run. Or drink.
Dance, exercise, have a good cry, vent, pray,
medication-just kidding!
Happy Reading!
I go for as long a walk as possible. And I power walk the whole way. There's nothing like physical exertion to take stress away. Am I a nut, or what?
Run around like a chicken with my head cut off? Oh, you want something to help you? ;)
I read, it's my only escape, sometimes I drive, but that depends on my state of mind and the price of gas ;)
I hope things settle down soon. Being overwhelmed is NO FUN!
A good book is a good idea. I also enjoy a long bath, walk around the neighborhood, or cooking a big meal for the family.
Hope you are able to find something to work for you.
I find my favorite pair of running shoes and pound the pavement. IT is better than pounding the walls. Of course, I have done that too, but it creates more work when you have to repair them.
Sitting in the jacuzzi tub with a good book helps too.....or I just shut off completely and go to bed.
Sorry you are feeling stressed Angie! Wish I could help!
for example my husband hates it when my parents come to visit because I just lose focus and shut down. And even after they were gone this week I just went into hibernate mode...i read stupid stuff like Nancy Drew mysteries or I curl up and avoid. These are not productive methods of handling stress, but its what i do. Also I take a hot bath and I always feel better or I take a walk to clear my head. Good Luck!!!
Slurpees and chocolate.
If that doesn't work, then go back for more.
Then I gain weight and get upset.
Then I go get slurpees and chocolate.
And if that doesn't work, see above.
Oh, wait. I'm not helping you, am I?
I hope everything is okay. I like the suggestions above. But I like the fetal position with a book the best. In front of the fireplace in the living room (preferrably with a raging fire - not in the livingroom, but in the fireplace). With slurpees and chocolate.
Oh crap. I'm doing it again, aren't I?
Books are my refuge too. Especially when I can't sleep in the middle of the night. However, I also keep a whole shelf full of chick flicks. Then whenever I'm down, I watch them one after another. Movies like Chocoat, Shakespeare in Love, While You Were Sleeping, Sleepless in Seattle, French Kiss.....
My new favorite is Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day. Should be coming out on video soon. It's darling!
I really like to go to a Yoga class. It helps me relax and focus myself.
I also like to go for a walk (when it is cool enough).
I am totally with you though....I have been feeling kinda down in the dumps lately. :(
In my former life (before this husband and my kids) I used to run. I loved it. I ran every day and was in 5K's and 10K's almost every weekend.
Lately I have been getting overwhelmed. I tld my hubby I need a cheap way to destress and I started long walks alone. Walking makes me jog and joging makes me wasnt to run. I am starting to un again and it feels so good.
I highly recommend taking a walk by yourself and maybe it will lead to jogging or running.
Oh..I am queen of feeling overwhelmed and stressed....running works for me..so does a hot bath and a glass of wine...or deep breathing, while sitting on my back porch with a good book. Throw a glass of wine in with that good book you have and I bet you are feeling better in no time! Good luck!
♥ Reading and being away from kids helps me! :)
be still...
then, once i get that...i remember matthew 6 and the birds and the flowers. sounds "churchy", i know. but it's like the only thing that works for me.
um, I think we all know what I resort to. More pills. Don't recommend that for you though. How about you just stop with projects for a while? Impossible? Well, there's always that glass of wine suggestion...hehehe...
I think your plan sounds like a good one.....I love to read. I hope whatever you are going through passes quickly! Hugs to you! Jen
When I'm totally stressed I blast music... and if the kids aren't around, I veg out to a few movies... When Harry Met Sally or Steel Magnolias.
Oh yes - and heavy on the wine.
Clean the kitchen. Having one room clean seems to calm me down. Or, I go wander around a store and have time to myself (I leave my $$$ at home however.)
Clean the kitchen. Having one room clean seems to calm me down. Or, I go wander around a store and have time to myself (I leave my $$$ at home however.)
Depends on where I am... Things that calm me down include reading a good book (as long as I can focus... if the stress is too severe, this proves a little difficult), blogging, chopping vegetables (weird, I know), getting up on the treadmill (this is when it is really bad, because exercise and I aren't the best of friends, sad to say), writing in my journal, talking to my bestest friends, etc.
What do I do? You mean when I'm done stress eating and then berating myself for it? I either blog, or read, or watch mindless television. Anything that lets my brain disconnect from my present reality for a bit and doesn't make me have to talk with anyone.
I hope you've found something that works for you by now ((hug)).
I run. Since I became a runner my stress levels have really dropped. I just handle it better.
If I can't get out and do that I will have a smidge or wine.
Or a hot bath.
Take care....
I list, list, list! Breaking things down into tasks helps me. I'm also keen on medicating myself with alcohol.
I don't feel like I ever have time to de-stress. If I did, though, I would find a cozy coffee shop with live music and bring my laptop. Heaven.
I work out.
Bake something sweet and then consume mass quantities of it...maybe some chocolate chip cookies with an ice cold glass of milk!
Watch a funny movie...find something to make you laugh and take your mind off the stress for a little while.
And when all else fails...Sleep (not so easy when you have 5 kids at home though)!
thanks for coming back! i am always here but sometimes my days (months) get away from me....but the way I unwind is either:
1. Blog and all that includes
2. Sleep and all the missed blogging that includes
Lately it seems the sleeping has been winning out--our twins are starting the night terror phase-our daughter ALWAYS wakes up at 5AM and Kincaid is right behind her waking me up to tell me he needs to go to school.
oh well...such is life with kids...thank god for blogging and blogging buddies!!!
I take a mommy break and usually go get a massage at Burke Williams Spa. Stay there all day and relax and read a book and just chill for some Mommy Time.
I clean out something-yes I am totally serious when I am VERY stressed! As for any other time, looking at blogs seems to help too:)
Reading a great book is also a plus!
~Elyse~
I usually try to get a nap in. Then I'm good.
Oh, I'm sorry you're feelinhg stress.
When I get really stressed do one of two things. The first I've done forever: I go second hand book shopping. I know that's weird, but I like it. The second is new: I edit photographes. There is something very therapeutic in that for me. I don't know why.
I hope you find something that works for you. And if meeting me for breakfast or whatever when you're here adds to your stress, don't sweat it. I know things are super busy for you those three days.
My favorite things to do is get a massage but I can't afford that too often. I also like to exercise when I am stressed. Herbal tea, a good book, and a foot soak is another ritual that helps! :) Sorry you are stressed!
I grab my i pod and go for a walk/run, or take a bubble bath!
Hope you find a stress reliever soooon!!
I take a long walk, crank up the music, grab a kid, and dance around the house, read a couple of great blogs (like yours!), and maybe eat ice cream :). But the fetal position is good too! Hope your stress lets up!
And thank you so very, very much for your sweet comment today. I appreciated it more than I can say.
I have several different methods of coping. I eat junk food. I make a list of things that need to be done and try to start ticking those off. I go to a book store and tea and drink chai. I pray for wisdom and answers. Fortunately my husband can sense when I'm overwhelmed and does what he can to help out. Hopefully you'll get through this soon!
it really depends...sometimes i read a book, sometimes i get out of the house and do something for myself (mani/pedi, shopping, lunch with a friend, etc...) & sometimes i take a nap. but the common theme on what works is to usually busy myself doing something for me...that way it gets my mind off of whatever is bugging me and i do something much needed for myself!
For me, it depends on the level of stress. If I'm really overwhelmed to the point where I feel I could break in half, I let my husband know that I need some space, some time alone and he's pretty good about watching the kids so I can take off for a little while. I usually spend the time at Borders reading a book, just something to get my mind off the stress and clear my head.
Also, watching a funny movie really helps!! Last time I felt stressed out, I watched Caddyshack (hilarious movie!!) and I felt so much better afterwards!
Hope you're feeling better soon!
two words: hot bath!
I've been to stress-land many times.
I make lists.
I do something creative, that will stay finished.
I write in my journal (pen and paper - remember those? LOL)
I sleep on it. Amazing how sometimes I go to sleep with issues and have real solutions on my mind in the morning. Good luck!
It depends on what it is. It can take a lot to stress me out too but when it happens I do this: I go out by myself 1st to a store that I can just meandor around, then I go to Barnes & Noble grab coffee or tea and find a comfy spot to just chill out and people watch. I also grab a few magazines (yes I know its not a library but what are they going to do arrest me?) and read. I also make a list of all of the things I am grateful for - I know a little corny but it really helps me pu tthings in perspective. Having time by yourself will really refresh you no matter what. Hope you get to de-stress my dear!
Sounds like you need a vacation! Or an overnighter, and I mean away from the kids! :) Just you and hubby. That's the best way I refresh. We try to do that at least once a year.
I also exercise, but it doesn't work as well for me as getting an overnight break. :) Hope you feel better!!
Talk it out, sweat it out or drink. But you don't drink so one of the first two then! Hope you destress. And I cannot believe you rarely stress with a 7 clown circus. You're my hero!!!!!!!
ATIVAN!! lol I got very sick a year ago when we had a group come into our work place and evaluate it. I could hardly walk and breath. My blood pressure went way up and later I found out it was a panic attack. Since then, I keep Ativan on me and I don't use it much but every once in a while. Because if I get too upset, I will curl up in the fetal position and it helps me out of it.
hugs and prayers that things get better.
Read, Run, and Laugh even if it means laughing at myself.
Find one of your favorite reads something you are familiar with that you know will make you feel good.
Run or walk on a treadmill or outside. Download Manic Mommies podcaston your ipod -free through itunes. (If you haven't listened to these funny ladies....you must. Some of their home-real life humor really makes me thankful for the insanity I deal with at home. start as early as you can in the cast -when I started listening one could start at episode 10.)
Laugh. Find a quiet place even if it means the closet and think of something funny that has happened in the past and begin laughing. When the family finds you laughing in the closet they might be ready to take you to the boobie hatch but the looks on their faces make the whole situation even funnier.
Escape. Get away and get a facial. Very therapeutic and a fun way to destress.
I hope you can get to a more peaceful place soon!
For me it's definately a bubble bath with a good book. Sorry you're stressed out. I hope that it passes soon.
I cry. And then I shop.
There's the honest-to-God truth for ya!
A hot bubble bath and a good book. Then I make a list and organize it all. Most of all, I hold my daughter close and snuggle.
Oh, and don't forget to blog. It's great therapy!!
a good book. exercise. browsing by myself in a bookstore or antique store (the ambiance just soothes me).
A hot shower or bath. A nap.
Xanax.
the running thing, the reading thing,the bath thing, check, check, check....and the most reviving?
Getting alone, getting quiet. Maybe browsing a bookstore, maybe a quiet coffee shop, maybe a solitary walk...Not easy in a stressful time--but all the auditory/visual overstimulation of our home life can be a little much to take during a time of stress.
And then if I can find a couple of bible verses, a couple of little nuggets that can re-center my heart--well, all the better.
Hang in there, girl. Breath in, breath out.....
A book and some food (if I'm really down and out)
Mindless computer games (if I'm counting calories and need to distract my hands that way)
A walk (if I'm not so down and out yet)
I work out usually to get rid of my stress followed by a handful or two of chocolate. I don't deal well with stress which is why I eat and exercise a ton. I can't imagine you are stressed out, it is not like you have five kids or anything. :) I hope you get to feeling better soon. Love you Angie.
I have a little cup of comfort: Starbucks! Seriously, when I am feeling like I am going to collapse and sink into myself, a nice white mocha picks me up. Okay, it doesn't make everything better but it helps. I do take anti depressants though and need them, I am a better person when I take them and don't feel guilty about it, because I would feel very guilty if I was not taking them! If it is just temporary feelings, you need to find your own little comfort, something that will help you chill out and breathe.
I go for a walk, that usually clears my head and can get back to what needs to be done, hopefully a little less stressed!
I have to get away from whatever is stressing me out. Usually for me that means leaving the house alone & doing well what ever I want. I'm always a little better when I get back. But removing myself from the situation does it for me.
:)Rachel
It takes a lot to get me stressed out too. I try to remind myself that regardless of what is going on I have a rock of a family that loves me and will always stick together.
I also remind myself that whatever is bothering me will fade given enough time. With that I take a deep breath and just live through it...keep on keepin' on.
Now spill it...what's going on!?!
I usually nap a lot when I'm stressed out. I don't know why but it makes me tired.
I think music. Find some good relaxing music. Eat your favorite treat. I sometimes call a friend and have her pray with me. I also read my Bible. A walk or a bike ride is good too. Hope this helps. Kathi
I wish I could say running or yoga - but . . .
probably a good - no make that a GREAT laugh with my husband or another good girlfriend who I can tell it like it is w/NO judgement, putting things into perspective, and of course something yummy to eat or drink never hurts!
I clean my house or go for a run. I love to curl up with books, but then I feel stressed that I didn'y accoplish anything. I need to talk to Kristen about pills!
I might just do as you do. or I'd play my piano again and again until my fingers are stiff, or I would read my qur'an.
or may be just go sleeping..
I hope you are alrite
Junk food, music, a good book, tears...
Good OLD music. Etta James etc. Also I go and get a glass of water...sounds funny but it grounds you in the moment. A simple task. HOpe you feel better soon...everyone has been there! cherry
I sing frair a jocka I know that is a horrible spelling but I seriously do. Nervous habit. Then I go to Yoga class. I so heart Yoga!
I am going to 'borrow' your idea of putting the giveaway at the top of your blog until its over. Thanks for the idea!
Angie can you email me to tell me how you do that? (keep one at the top of your blog?)
Mmmm, normally I say a few obscenties and possibly throw a few things (including a temper tantrum) and then I very logically sit down and right lists and get my head around everything that way.
I usually start cleaning. I seem to get a lot done when I'm stressed out. Or I'll go for a drive if I can truly leave my house, crank up the radio and just think about nothing! Now that I have my mp3 player that's a great escape too!
Wow...I hope all these women gave you the boost you needed cause it sure did me!!!
If I am stressed mentally I talk to my girlfriends (just like you did here)..work on projects around the house, listen to music really LOUD, and one of my favorites...get down and play hard with the kids...when they start a-gigglin I can't help but follow. My kids are so good to see when I am down to grab me and bowl me over with hugs and loves until I surrender!!
Hope your day went better.
I hope you don't mind, I printed this post I am always stressed and need the extra help! I wish I was more like you.
Being outside does it for me. I love a good long walk and the sound of water. Uplifting music, journaling and chocolate are mood lifters too. Some quiet time to uncover the source of the emotions and overwhelm follow the above - then a plan to tackle it or eliminate it. I see my shannon started with a good cry - boy oh boy, she is her mother's daughter!
Post a Comment