How do you relax?

[Binforky]

I need some ideas I'm so stressed at the moment I feel like I may snap. I'm a single mum of 3 work in a really stressful job and have no free time to myself. Well unless you count when they are sleeping which is when I do my nvq3.

So I need ideas for how to stop being so stressed out. What do you all do?

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I find games on my phone where I have to match pieces into patterns very calming. No idea why! I also like weaving, normally with some low btoe telly on.

*low brow telly

I ask alexa to play relaxing music or listen to radio 3

Exercise, even if it's just a brisk walk. Cooking a new recipe. Planning something - the next holiday, Christmas, dinner with friends.

When very tense i listen to calming classical music on headphones whilst working.

Cardiac coherence videos are fantastic. They last 5 minutes and force you to slow down your breathing and relax. I was sceptic but they do work. For best results you're supposed to do it 3 times a day but I usually manage once.

I "waste" a lot of time putting my DC to bed as they like me to sit with them. Usually they're asleep quickly but sometimes it takes up to 30 minutes and watching netflix on my phone (with headphones) means I relax much more whilst doing it.

My absolute favourite is swimming but that takes more time and needs someone to watch the DC.

Crosswords and word search puzzles.

Downton Abbey and a cuppa.

Walking while listening to a podcast and at home yoga are my two favourite ways to relax.

I crochet! I find it so relaxing and excellent for stress and anxiety!

I listen to "spa" music. Calming music on YouTube. It works every time.

Spend time with my cats, watch some really good TV or a film, listen to an audiobook or do some cooking.

Thank you everyone I really need to start looking after myself as for the first time in my life I burst into tears at work (I never cry even on my own).

I don't relax. I think I need to follow this thread for ideas.

You do need to look after yourself. I burnt out in 2016. Changed jobs, cut hours, it was better but still not great.

Last couple of weeks i have been on the verge of tears all the time. Thats how i found the ways of relaxing that dont take up too much time cos I dont have time.

Cross stitch or knitting.

I match bet. It's always relaxing to think you are making a ton of cash whilst sat watching TV 😁

Audiobooks keep me sane I think. I find it really relaxing to be read to for some reason.

I have a really stressful job and a really busy life.

My tip would be to try and work our what it is you enjoy and like doing and try and fit that in if not everyday then at least once a week. This will give your mind a chance to switch off.

For me it is swimming, walking the dog, baking and spending time with friends.

Sometime I have to squeeze things in such as 6.30 am swim! But I feel so much better when I have some time to myself.

I made the decision to leave a stressful job and go self employed. Similar role but I decide my hours and work it to suit me/my family better and give myself some time for me.

I find getting out into nature helps. Walking the dog in my favourite woods is the best thing for me. Fresh air clears the mind. I also like to meet good friends for a chat (usually try for a weekly catch-up or at least 2/3 per month. Quality cake at meet-ups also helps 😁).

I read or listen to "relaxing" playlists or meditation apps, particularly before I sleep. Using a good pillow spray and clean bedding helps me unwind too.

I plan in regular short breaks, even just 3/4 days away with family helps me "reset" and able to cope with job/life/juggling.

I work in a school for children with serious behavioural problems so at least my job gets alot of holidays. I'm just worried I'm going to burn out.

Thank you everyone for your ideas. I think I need to try and get walking more and do some excercise I've really given up on myself since my ex left.

I echo walking as it’s my go to. It really helps. Harder now the evenings are dark now, if you have little ones.
I’ve tried to read more and this helps, charity shops are brilliant! I also like candy crush and word blitz on the face book games!

Exercise is my go-to stress relief, specifically running. However, any vigorous exercise is great for relieving stress.

TV, reading and sleep. Being stationary relaxes me, activity does not. That said, I can only relax in a clean and tidy home; untidiness stresses me out. I am also at my most relaxed when without my children, and sometimes think that being alone is how I was meant to be

@Dieu that's exactly how I am my ex used to have the children every other weekend for the night but he's not aloud contact with them now due to him physically abusing them. They are all much happier now they know they won't be seeing him and I would do anything to keep them safe but a tiny part of me misses having that alone time which is a horrible thing to say I know. The only time I'm alone now is driving too and from work.