To ask how you turn your stressy brain off?

[wineandcheeese]

.. and relax?

I think I pretend to relax. I’m currently sat in a fluffy dressing gown and slippers with a cup of tea and the television on. I look relaxed. But my brain won’t shut up with all the things I need to do / pointless fretting etc etc. It’s so annoying!!

It even happens when I’m doing something uber relaxing like getting a massage or having a bath!

I just want to know how to properly switch off from life’s stresses even if it’s just for half an hour or so So pleaaaase share your tips for switching off!

I do yoga, mindfulness and meditation. Focus on your breath.

Sudoku games on my phone. Over and over until my brain shuts up this can take a while.

Shite tv as in really shite, the likes of bridezillas, kardashians, towie etc. Mindless drivel that really puts things into perspective, white noise with enough of a gossipy feel to keep you interested.

This is a technique that works for me.
Decide on two or three things you are happy to think about for the day.

Eg I want to think about replanning my garden or potential places to go on holiday.

Then anytime your brain starts to think about other stuff (eg worrying about what might happen to your kids in the future or whatever) just tell yourself no, I'm not thinking about that today, and return to the present moment or to one of your chosen subjects.

It kind of retrains your brain

Yoga

Not drinking at all

Sertraline

TV doesn't distract the brain enough unless it's a complicated drama you need to follow. Stuff that works for me - listening to The Archers, yoga, colouring, baking - anything that demands your full attention

Amazed at the list of all the things I do too. May I also suggest counting prime numbers only?

I write it down in the form of lists. Otherwise it's constantly whirring in my head.

Also meditation. Gives me brain a bit of a break.

Wine

I struggle with this too but there are some great ideas on this thread!

I find playing guitar helps. I played when I was younger but have just recently picked it up again after a 10 year hiatus so am almost starting from scratch. Never too late to learn though!

If I'm super stressed I play a bit of grunge or rock and sing along badly - that really helps get the tension out!

Also sertraline.

But also red wine.

I only deliberately relax when I'm ready to sleep, so I listen to The Honest Guys guided meditations, or to Mystery Abounds (by Paul Rex). The latter is a podcast about random intriguing fact lets, but I don't know what the punchlines are because I fall asleep while he's still introducing the topic.

Headspace app! X

Thank you thank you all honestly for taking the time to reply to this thread.

I posted kind of lightheartedly but not being able to stop stressing about things has really been getting me down recently so it’s lovely to read your ideas and I’m feeling very positive about trying some myself.

Hopefully this thread will help others struggling with the same!

Peak brain training app. I love this. Not only am I using my brain in a myriad of ways, and improving over time, it forces you to concentrate on the game/test in hand. It really makes me switch off and focused on something other than stresses and strains.

Also similar to Snog I allot time when the m allowed to think about things. So during my drive to work my brain tries hard to run through exactly how I'm going to do things in the day, down to what I'll type in an email. It is pointless because I'll only have to rethink it all later so I actually say out loud 'You will be able to think about that at X time'

So many good suggestions here! Mine are yoga, weight training, Sudoku puzzles (this is my bedtime reading - totally switches me off), and/or an absorbing drama on the telly, something like Silent Witness, Lewis or Endeavour. I also use the "box" technique that someone else mentioned - I've learned to disengage with situations and people that I can't change, and can't have in my life, that way. If it's something I can do something about, just not right at that moment, then I write it in my diary for action and know then that I won't forget about it.