My stress-breakers have to be relatively quick so I step outside on our front deck, sit down and take some deep breaths. If I have time, I will knit for a few minutes or read.
I turn on some really LOUD music and dance - I've danced all my life and it is such a fabulous release for me. Or, I go for a walk - any physical activity really helps me break out of that stress mode.
I immediately take several very long, deep breaths. Then I wait for my daughter to get home and we get very silly. Or, I go and have a ride on our horse, always a challenge since he is several levels above me in dressage ("several"--snort). Working on my websites takes my focus off stressful stuff. And always, always, talking to my husband drains all stress away. He has a great perspective on everything.
The to do list for work has gotten too long, the personal to do list is longer. And it's hard to weigh which should come first. Logging off from here for most of the day since it won't help me get work done! Oh, who am I kidding, I'll be checking in soon.
Yoga. With fun music and my eyes closed b/c I'm forced to just breath and think about my body. The different and fun music is great b/c it helps tap my brain in a different way. Even just 10 minutes or my favorite asana (pose). Lately I like to just invert. When you're in a headstand you can't think of anything else but breathing!!
oh and as i was saying elsewhere on Nataly's note - RANDOM SILLINESS! as much as it is to get caught off guard with something completely unexpectidly funny, it also relieves stress to be that person for someone else! then it's a twofer! go bujy a clown nose. i swear, stress reduces by 15%. LOL!
a walk in the woods! ok so that's not always easy when you live in either the city or suberbia, but many places have parks/gardens/lakes/etc. that have trails and paths that are great stress releivers to walk through!
Lorna - you know, that's actually a great tip. Today was a really stressful and anxiety-filled day for me, so while I ate some lunch I read a few pages from a book I am enjoying. I think it helped to be totally removed from my reality for a bit.
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