to ask for your top de-stressing tips

[ghostyslovesheep]

because I actually feel like I may explode

My normal ones aren't working (vodka, running, more vodka)

I am moving house (hopefully Friday) it was supposed to be the 31st but buyers solicitor fucked up - so I had to cancel builders, carpet fitters, removal etc

then my removal firm couldn't move me this week

My furniture delivery from Ikea didn't arrive - it's take 3 days of being on hold to sort (fingers crossed)

ex was supposed to clear the garage (full of his stuff mainly) has done half and is moaning

I am at work next week

I am up to my eyes in boxes

The people at the tip no my name

The kids are hyper and I am too shouty

They go away Thursday and I have to pack for them as well

My brain is actually hurting

[AngelinaCongleton]

kalms, naps, lists, good film especially a comedy, big sweaty walk, swim, no caffeine.

[CheesyDibbles]

shewalkslikerianna - yes, it was the Billy Connolly one, I enjoyed it so much. I had just come back from a rather disastrous family holiday - in Scotland, so it rang lots of bells!

[ArsenalsPlayingAtHome]

I bet you're coping better than you think you are. Or certainly better than I would.

Deep breathing helps me if I remember to do it as I feel the stress levels building.

I hope you're in your new house soon. You'll get through it all.

[Theycallmemellowjello]

Meditation. There are some free podcasts if you search to get you started.

[shewalkslikerihanna]

Cheesy was that the Billy Connolly one. If so I loved it too.
Meditation. Soft music on low visualise yourself on a warm beach or beautiful sunset or mountain s, your favourite place and just let your mind untangle. You can listen to YouTube Tibetan invincible or do a guided meditation based on colours chakras. In your lavender scented bath even.

[LornaGoon]

I try and save the booze for weekends only - it really makes my anxiety worse. Sorry!

Valerian tea - think Clipper do a version of it. If you're having trouble sleeping, it will knock you out.

Take a dose of echinacia (sp?) over the course of a couple of weeks; anxiety fucks over your immune system.

Yoga - just following something on You Tube, not necessarily a class which will take loads of time. Perhaps after you run; would be good to stretch out the lactic acid.

Don't look at MN - you'll only feel bad that everyone else's life is perfect.

Look at MN - you'll feel better that your life isn't as bad as some poor sods.

[KateSpade]

Yes to everyone who said write a list. That works for me, I tackle one thing at a time with regular breaks.

Taking a shower with music on is just heaven for me and no matter how I'm feeling will make everything better!

Good luck OP!

[Zillie77]

Sex
Cuddling
Naps
Ice cream
TV

[borisgudanov]

Mozart.

[SniffsAndSneezes]

The Johanna Basford colouring books are fantastic, and there are a few free downloadable printouts on her website to have a go at

Good brisk walk with whatever music makes you happy

Personally baths don't work for me, I end up sweaty and itching with heat rash and if you've only got 1 bathroom you can pretty much guarantee one of your DC will be banging on the door needing the loo after about 5 minutes...

For me the best one really is naps. Naps and sleeping, sleeping and naps. Life is so much harder when you're tired!

[Quiero]

Sept Guarantee/offers of learning, keep those NEET figures down Ghostys The fun never ends!

Hope all goes well with your move and you find a bit of time for yourself

[PurpleDaisies]

Yes to loud weights! I was just about to finish swimming the other day when some twit with no idea of lane etiquette annoyed me and I ended up staying in for another forty laps. Exercise is definitely my best destresser.

Or if that's not possible a glass of wine, headphones and a really good book.

[Haggisfish]

Some alcohol and a good walk.

[ghostyslovesheep]

oh yes Purple I weight train and channel my anger into loud angry grunts! - very nice

[ghostyslovesheep]

thanks lovely people x

I am listing like mad

Quierio I am up to date on most of my kids - a few bits to do and hopefully I can have Weds off - work is a nightmare as well as we are all being redeployed and I have workshops and interviews all arranged for days I don't work I have asked if I should bring all 3 children with me!

I am off to watch shite TV and drink Vodka x

[PurpleDaisies]

Body combat. Punching things really helps me.

[CheesyDibbles]

I had a shitty day yesterday and got into bed with a glass of white wine and plugged myself into Netflix. I watched 'What we did on our Holiday', which I loved.
Also agree with lots of lists - my god, I love lists.

[goodcompany2]

Sex...

[Quiero]

I think firstly accept that some things are beyond your control. Try to only deal with/worry about what you can control.

Lists, lists and more lists. Always helps.

Don't worry about work. If I remember rightly you do the same job as me so I know you can manage your own caseload to an extent. Do the urgent stuff and put everything everyone else off.

Sit down with the kids and tell them that they have to cut you some slack (if they're old enough to understand).

And keep running...and drinking heavily

[WoonerismSpit]

Haha that sounded awful didn't it!

I was trying to help ghosty's daughter in her hamster quest!

[londonrach]

Wooner im worried. What you doing with the hamsters. Can i suggest a stress ball? (lighthearted)

[londonrach]

Before you print op make sure you click without advert....enjoy......if you near i have lavender coming out of ears as i overbought some lavender bags for my patients whilst on holiday in france.

[WoonerismSpit]

Hamsters are a good stress reliever.

[ghostyslovesheep]

Lovely thank you x

[londonrach]

I like the butterfly and heart ones..