De-Stressing

I plan Disney trips altho coloring is good. I've been accused of spending half an hour on Cinderella's bucket while she's cleaning the floor.

It doesn't matter if we're not really going to Disney. I decide on a different kind of trip - one we'd never take, maybe an Epcot only trip - and plan away.

I agree with Chris about the physical activity and the endorphins but sometimes I just need to lose myself in an activity and I'm not put together in a sports way (never going to get that second wind! ). Coloring or Disney planning take me into another smaller space and I forget about the outside world.

Always good to add music, too.

Jan

LOL! Brad, I am not opposed to a nice glass of red wine in the evening. It's wonderful that you have such a therapeutic experience with your singing group. I can't sing at all unfortunately. If I did, I would stress everyone else out.

Janmac, thanks for your suggestion! You know, before this happened we were about to start planning a trip to the Grand Canyon. I think I will go ahead and plan it anyway. Then we'll be all set for whenever we do get to go!

Walking is my great de-stressor--on the treadmill if need be, but I prefer to walk outside to clear my head. Sometimes I run if I feel like it, but I try not to time myself (just adds more pressure!) I also like to garden and do yard work and I love to do travel planning, it's a great distraction.

Walking is great. We have a treadmill that I couldn't live without. But, we're also incredibly lucky to live in a very walkable town. Even with this awful weather I've gotten out to walk to the grocery store, drug store, library, bank, etc. Fresh air and a change of scenery really helps!

Still struggling with the stress and anxiety of these situations we're dealing with. But I'm trying to be mindful enough to recognize it and be proactive about heading it off. I haven't completely avoided it, but all of your contributions have given me a plan for several different things to do so that I can try to tackle it. I want to thank all of you again!

I ride my bike (we have a recumbent exercise one for bad days). I run Hanon exercises (scales) on the piano - LOUDLY. I crochet. I read. I put on music and proceed to sing and dance like a fool. I have Netflix binges. I'm a 'housewife'. My kids are all almost grown and out on their own.

I think we need more music in this house! With you on the occasional Netflix binge too.

TheVBs;2448690 wrote: I think we need more music in this house! With you on the occasional Netflix binge too.

I love Pandora Radio for music - they have a lot of Disney soundtrack music. But you can also go with Jazz, 80s, Alt Rock - what ever floats your boat at the moment. I've been known to scrub tubs to a good rousing, loud arrangement of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. And dishes are quite often scrubbed to some Imagine Dragons. Floors have been swept to Gerry Mulligan.
I run the mix.
Right now, I'm binging during the school day to Medium on Netflix...didn't watch during original run.

Good luck with De-Stressing. Sometimes just a good scream into a pillow works.;)

Katherine
6/2015 POP Celebrating Youngest Son's HS graduation and my birthday.
6/2012 POFQ Celebrating Daughter's HS graduation and my birthday
01/2009 ASMu 20th anniversary
12/2004 ASMu
12/2001 POR
12/1982 OffSite, 04/1987 OffSite

 

Yes, there are so many opportunities to have music on and we rarely take advantage of it. I'm going to have to be more mindful of that.

I watched Medium on Netflix a couple of years ago and enjoyed it. Currently we're watching Leverage. It's good!

I've also been making myself say no to things. Taking things off my schedule has helped, especially when they're related to something stressful.

TheVBs;2448769 wrote: I've also been making myself say no to things. Taking things off my schedule has helped, especially when they're related to something stressful.

No is one of the hardest words to use in the English Language. I started using it when people would ask me to do things just because they know I'm a 'housewife'. The logic being that I have lots of free time. :rolleyes:

Oh yeah! Been there. Because all we do is lounge around eating chocolates and painting our nails, right?