How do you cope with stress?

[tanteva]

First Advent Sunday today. Only 4 weeks left til Christmas. Feeling stressed anyone? LOL

Let's share ideas on how to cope with stress. Ideas on how to take some me-time in the midst of it all.

My best ideas are:
- a quick meditation in the morning to calm the brain & try and set a pace for the day
- a cup of tea and sit down with a book for half an hour
- scrap something "just for fun" - not for a creative team or challenge or anything that "have rules" - just fun creativity
- knitting in front of the TV

And the hardest one:
Lower the pressure on myself by cutting down on things to do. It doesn't have to be perfect. Good enough is good enough.

So ... what do you love to do to calm yourself down in stressful times?

 

[faerywings]

Such good advice, Eva. I wish I knew how to take it.

This time of year, I like to destress by listening to some music, TransSiberian Orchestra is a good choice, Hamilton and Rent soundtracks get me going too. Yesterday I listened to Tick Tick ... Boom, I can't wait to watch that when Caitlyn has time to watch with me.

I wish I knew how to do the "good is good enough."
That one is hard!

 

[VickiStegall]

My absolute favorite way to de-stress if I have some time is to drive out to the lake (about 20 minutes) in the convertible with the top down and sit in nature for as long as I have time. Typically anywhere from 10-30 minutes.

If I don't have time to go to the lake, I do a 5-10 minute meditation.

 

[Vicki Robinson]

I turn to art — with no particular outcome in mind. I usually put on some classic rock from my own era and sing along loudly — although with the door closed because I’m tone deaf and my efforts are not appreciated.

I also find extracting my scanned elements and making brushes to be relaxing, because it requires concentration.

But my absolute favorite way to de-stress is to take at least a 20 min walk, with my headphones on (more classic rock).

 

[LSlycord]

Oh what a very good topic! Stress…I am terrible about handling stress.
I have always been a stress eater but that is even less healthy for me now than in the past. The water always relaxes me but we don’t get there very often, even though it is only 35 minutes to the Atlantic.

Here are my goals for the month of December…head to the ocean for walks at least twice a week.
Put in my AirPods and take walks around the neighborhood.
Practice intentional gratitude and kindness.

Thanks Eva for this little boost today!

 

[VickiStegall]

I turn to art — with no particular outcome in mind. I usually put on some classic rock from my own era and sing along loudly — although with the door closed because I’m tone deaf And my efforts are not appreciated.

I also find extracting my scanned elements and making brushes to be relaxing, because it requires concentration.

Buy my absolute favorite way to de-stress is to take at least a 20 min walk, with my headphones on (more classic rock).

I can't do this if I'm stressed out. I get wrapped up in the 'not good enough' mind game that it just makes it worse. However, shen i can get in the zone in the normal course of a day, that art zen wraps around me and lifts my spirits in a lasting way.

 

[Caro]

When I'm really stressed out I tend to check out lol..then after panicking for a bit I just take whatever is stressing me out head on and get it done. Procrastinating is my worse enemy sometimes

 

[tanteva]

OH yes - nature & music are great too. Watching waves at the shore - love it - but we're far from the ocean & our lake isn't that exciting.

As for music, I love so many different kinds. Depending on why I'm stressed, I chose differently. During this time I really love to listen to any radio station that plays Christmas music 24-7. But also, I can go to more aggressive music, like Rammstein, Sex Pistols or anything like that, just to boost my mood.

 

[Cherylndesigns]

I usually try to create something artistic - maybe do a challenge or just express my feelings in an art journaling page.