Stress Relief

United States
May 15, 2010 5:46pm CST
So due to my constant illness my doctor has recommended a "lifestyle change" as he puts it. He wants me to live a healthier and stress free life. Give up my stressful job. Change my living situation. Eat healthier and start exercising more. He says the more I stress, the more chances I'm giving the sickness to take over. I've been looking into aromatherapy, meditation cds, calming herbal teas, and so on. My question to you is what is your favorite way to relieve stress? I could really use the ideas guys. Thanks so much :)
3 people like this
11 responses
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
25 May 10
Ok Sweetie the way I try to relieve the Stress is by taking Gissi for a walk to the Field, I will come on my Laptop and do my graphics or just things like that Really it is a case of finding out what works for you to relieve the Stress You need to try and find out what will relax you and get rid of the Stress
• United States
25 May 10
My dog is wonderful for relieving stress. She's just so funny and sweet. Right now I am watching the rain fall on my porch. I'm just listening to the sounds and smelling the clean air. It's calming me down very well :)
• China
18 May 10
My own way of relieving stress is to go dancing, to sing songs, to have some chats, games or other good activities with my friends.Eating is also very important.To eat more healthier food, to eat more vegetables and friuts, to drink more tea, to have some special exercises like meditation, Chinese Taji are also good.
• United States
20 May 10
Yes I am trying to eat healthier and I feel a bit of a difference in that already. Friends and family are good for stress relief too... tho sometimes my friends can be full of drama. But when they're not fighting with each other they are a lot of fun. I really like tea so drinking more of that won't be a problem :)
@HADDOWZ (1469)
18 May 10
Stress is not something you can just get rid of overnight, beleive me I now onlt to well. My humble advice to you would be to try changing or doing something completely different from what you do each day. I dont mean changing job or anything like that, just little things. If you go for a break at work at the same time each day, then dont. If you eat the same things on the same day of the week, then dont. Change things around alittle. Being stuck in a rut and not knowing it can take a toll. Just take each day as it comes and try to make each day different. All the best...
• United States
20 May 10
My work schedule is weird. I never work the same times. I never get to sleep at the same times (like if I work early morning I have to sleep early but if I work late nights I don't get to bed till late). I don't get regular breaks at work and sometimes miss a lunch. So to change things, maybe I should try having a regular schedule instead? lol.
• Lubbock, Texas
16 May 10
I'm sorry to hear that you're so stressed and constantly ill. While your Dr.'s right that living a healthier lifestyle can eliminate illness, I don't know how he expects you to "give up your stressful job" unless you've got another one lined up. I think all the things you mentioned are good for relieving stress. About the aroma therapy, I found when I was working at a bank (very stressful) that I could fill a small 1 oz bottle with rock salt and put about 15 drops of aromatherapy grade essential oil in it. The rock salt will absorb the essential oil. When you're feeling stressed at work, just open the bottle and inhale as you pass it under your nose. Some good essential oils for stress are clary sage, orange, rose, cypress, geranium, vetiver, ylang ylang lavender and sandalwood. If you can only get 1 either lavender or sandalwood would be my recommendation. Calming herbal teas at night before you go to bed will help you get a restful night sleep, which will go a long way to staving off the stress the next day. I'd suggest chamomile and/or passion flower. Tai Chi or yoga are good ways to exercise to reduce stress and improve your over-all health. And of course by all means keep up relationships with close friends. You don't have to spend money to spend some enjoyable time with a good friend where you can just forget all the worries and stress for a while. Good luck and good health.
• United States
16 May 10
Heh well my dr has been my doctor for 22 years. He doesn't like where I work because every time he gives me a dr's note to miss work, my boss won't accept it and I get in trouble for missing work. I'm on the verge of being fired for being sick. So my dr really did say he didn't want me working there (he is like family afterall) but sure also he'd like me to have another job lined up... Thanks for the suggestions on the aromatherapy. I'll have to try it. It's a little hard as I work retail and I don't even always get my scheduled breaks or lunches, let alone get time to go sniff something calming. But I think I'll try my best to make the time. I was also looking into those herbal stress relieving drops or pastilles. Something I can just take while working and keep on going :)
@Ladyslipper (1327)
• Philippines
16 May 10
I have a different way to relieve my self with stress and I don't think that your Doctor will agree with it. haha! When I'm really stresed out and I'm in the office I have to drink a cup of coffee from my favorite coffee shop with my very close friends. I feel so relaxed with the aroma and taste of the coffee and nice conversation with my friends. My other way of relieving my self with stress is an out of town with family and close friends usually in a very nice beach resort. When I feel so exhausted it means it's time for me to take a long leave from work. I ask my boss for at least 1 week Vacation Leave.
• United States
17 May 10
I think I need to focus more on relaxing and enjoy the little things like a nice cop of coffee. Usually I'm drinking it in a hurry and not even really tasting it :( I am planning a vacation for my birthday. Something relaxing. I hope it helps. Thank you.
@alexies29 (124)
• Philippines
16 May 10
Maybe you should try going to the spa and getting a massage. You can try this every time you're stressed. Breathing techniques also helps. Try deep breathing. Exercising can also help boost your immune system and it aids in the release of hormones that can make you feel happier and relaxed. If you love shopping and you have the money to do it, then it's one great way to unwind. Or maybe have a coffee with friends. You should also eat healthy foods. Try to eat more fruits and vegetables. It will also help your skin look younger and healthier.
• United States
17 May 10
Yes my dr said to try a healthier diet and meditating. I think I'll try breathing exercises too. I just need to calm down. I love massages but can't really afford them. Maybe I'll make my boyfriend give me a massage :) I want to start making my own all fruit smoothies. Those might be nice. Thank you.
@vijayanths (7877)
• India
16 May 10
I do pranayama, meditation to beat stress. I listen to soothing music, watch humor TV programs. You can also eat chocolates to reduce your stress.
• United States
17 May 10
Yes I am considering meditation. Thank you.
@dheckerz (473)
• Philippines
16 May 10
Hi, I've been very sickly too and my doctor also told me that it could be stress related reaction. To addressed it here's what i did. I don't of work after i signed out at the ofice. I go out with friends that doesn't discuss work, go out for a picnic with your family and maybe have some pet fish at home, it really relaxes me. Also don't forget proper diet, green veggies will help a lot.
• United States
17 May 10
It is very hard for me not to think about work after I go home and I know that's not helping the stress. I'm sorry you're sick too. My doctor says stress lowers your immunity and makes it easier to get sick... Maybe I'll try a picnic. My friends actually are a lot of drama sometimes so they don't always help. Maybe I need new friends, lol. I have 2 dogs and a cat and they help cheer me up and calm me down :)
@Cutie18f (9546)
• Philippines
16 May 10
Watch movies which are really hilarious, laugh out loud or find books that will make you laugh. These are methods I use in order to relieve me of stress and pressure. They really work.
• United States
17 May 10
This is true. Laughter is always helpful :)
@cloud31 (5809)
16 May 10
Hello lynn, I'm sorry to hear that, I hope you can cope up with that stress you're under going. I used to joined yoga classes to relieve my stress,there are lots of lesson that can help you relax your mind.You may try them too..I even doing some SPA sometimes to get rid of my stress. You may want to speak to a friend about what's bothering you, go out with friends and talk about something, chat,and discuss your worries and burdens. Take care always ,I will keep you in my prayers!
• United States
17 May 10
Thank you sweets. I am considering yoga and mediation. Anything to help me relax!
• Philippines
16 May 10
I dunno if this fits your wants: my stress reliever is eating cakes, eating whatever I want, or seeing a movie. I have proven any of these three very effective to me as my stress reliever.
• United States
17 May 10
I'm trying to diet so eating whatever I want probably isn't the best idea. But maybe I'll sneak in a candy bar once in a while. Chocolate makes me happy :)