What do you do to destress?

[FabIsGoingToBeFabIn2010]

I am seeing an osteopath for some physical problems I am having but he feels very strongly that a lot of it is because I have such a full on life which is very stressful and hectic. I get very little time for me in the day, my down time is watching tv in the evenings, but I need something better than that and something I can do in the day while the kids are at school.

I am going out now for a bit to have a break from the kids but would appreciate any ideas.

Anything I feel I do that I enjoy, cooking, baking, is still for the kids really..

They have completely taken over.

A swim always makes me feel relaxed after

a bath or a run or a drink but i have given that up for lent so im running because i have no bath yet!

brisk walk
long hot soak in the bath with a good book

I am really, really bad at relaxing. Only thing that helps me to do so is some intense exercise.

Have you ever tried Reiki? Years ago I discovered it when I was suffering from panic attacks, it really helped me to get time for myself and felt wonderfully relaxing too.
I loved it so much I became a practitioner. Also agree getting out for fresh air/brisk walk is also great.

Thanks all

Just got back from shopping, I bought a fab dress with my birthday money and a book on yoga.

I have had reiki twice. The first time was brilliant as the woman talked to me about what she was doing and what she was finding but it was a bit that she had me right. I wasn't so keen on the second time with someone else as she didn't say a word and I didn't feel any benefit.

Swimming is definitely a possibility. I will look into where I can go and the opening times. I also want to walk more as I need to lose weight.

Swimming is good for me because:

• it's 'good' for me physically

• makes me feel energised yet relaxed after

• makes me feel good mentally in that I've actually done something useful and constructive with my day off, rather than the usual shopping/housework/coffee with mate etc etc

swim
steam
bubble

(in any order)

and repeat, as desired

Join a choir?

I am fed up atm.

Just feels like one step forward 17 back all the time.

I don't know if I can do it anymore or even if I want too.

drink
massage
lie on a beach..... with a book

After I had some counselling a year or so ago my counsellor strongly suggested I take some time (as little as 10 minutes, or as much as an hour) to sit and just be - to help my stress levels. No reading, no walking, just sitting.

I must admit, I do not do this

But worth a go?

Fab, don't be fed up
get some time for yourself, what you doing tomorrow?

What is it that you're struggling with?

I know what you mean though, I think.
I am going to get verucca burned off my foot, ( yuk, I know!) but looking forward to it, cos it is time on my own!

Today I went in my room and did the ironing just to get away from the kids . It must be bad if even my osteopath says I need to take some time out. I went shopping today and took my time for once.

I just asked DH and he will take the kids for their hair cuts tmw on his own.

I miss reading.

I have been quite stressed with work recently. Things that have helped have been:

• going for a little walk with dp on a Sunday morning (the girls are old enough to be left at home now; don't know how old yours are);
• having a bath every evening with 'nice' bubble bath and a book (even if it is just The Famous Five or something like that - at times my head has been too full for the kind of book I'd normally choose, so I've needed something mindless - it just helps to shut out the internal noise);
• cup of tea in a cafe with a magazine - I'm going to try and do this more as I think it would help me to switch off before getting home from work, rather than arriving home still stressed out and therefore horrible.

Agree with swim and bath options. Listen to some music that brings a smile to your face. I find 70s disco particularly helpful! Buy a massive bunch of spring flowers and a huge stack of magazines and make time to read them even if it's just in 10 minute slots. Do a DIY spa day with some great products like Liz Earle or Elemis. Read Alan Carr's autobiography(hilarious)and watch your favourite DVD but not one with tear inducing properties. These have all helped me over the last few weeks which have been blighted with a severe foot injury which has made me feel really stressed and depressed. Above all remember the things that make you happy and laugh and seek them out. I'm fed up too but keeping my head above the water. Take care Fab.

Ooh yes - music. V good. Hope your foot is ok now GCT.

Fab - do you have some 'everyday rituals' that you could 'step up' a bit too? Eg: if you always have a cup of coffee in the morning before the children get up, you could have it in a nice cup and saucer so it feels like more of a treat.

Or buy a box of nice chocolates and have just one each evening after the children have gone to bed (hide them!).

Or listen to a favourite CD whilst the pasta is boiling etc.

I really missed reading too as a way to destress. I just never seem to have the time and if you are a bit sore it can be hard to get comfy with a book. Audio books are great. Try them when you are in the car or doing the ironing, even while your baking, make it seem like less of a chore.
They are expensive to buy so try hiring them for peanuts from the library.
Check out the fiction threads on here for good titles and narrators to try.
My other favourite "me time" is a good brisk walk with a friend or my partner straight after the school run. Sets me up for the day.

Janeite thanks for concern but my foot is still awful. I am coping. I had a peek at your profile. We like a lot of the same things. My favourite book of all time is Charlotte Sometimes! Fab should read it but of course it's out of print....

Out of print? Really? That is shocking!

Fab - see if you can get it from the library. Get 'Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day' whilst you're there too.

That is a great recommendation also. You are my long lost twin J!