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Life is hard, stress can be overwhelming, there's always more bullshit on the way, it's always going to be something. Many people turn to their faith for the strength to cope when things get difficult. No one here is going to do that so what do you do to deal with the demands life puts on you when they start to weigh too heavily?

What mechanisms have you developed to deal with stress?

Sgt_Spanky 8 May 24
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42 comments

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9

Developing a thick hard, crusty shell has helped immensely.
Also, saying "fuck all y'all", constantly.

That's one word. "fuckyall". You're welcome.

@PondartIncbendog Actually, "fuck all y'all" is much more effective.

9

Music, weed, alcohol, and sex (even if it is solo). 😉

8

I am very fortunate to have a plethora of marvelous friends who seem to be downright eager to give me a hand in any way possible. When I think about it, I have more true and decent friends than anyone else I know. When it comes to emotional strength, I am mostly self-sufficient, but not afraid to ask for love or care, and not afraid to share my concerns and my grief. In turn, I try to give more than I receive when it comes to love and support. I also know to step away when things are too intense, and have been known to completely withdraw emotionally when being abused in a bad relationship. I receive love and help with gratitude, but when it's not forthcoming, I manage the strength to plow ahead on my own.

Deb57 Level 8 May 24, 2020
7

As an atheist since age 13, I relieve anxiety and stress with:

  1. Exercise: running, walking, weightlifting, hiking, swimming, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more. Aerobic exercise increases endorphins that make you feel happy.

  2. The Healing Power of Nature. "Japanese researchers found that trees and plants emit aromatic compounds that, when inhaled, spur healthy biological changes. When people walk through or stay overnight in forests, they often exhibit changes in the blood that are associates with protection against cancer, better immunity and lower blood pressure.

"Recent studies have also linked nature to symptom relief for health issues like heart disease, depression, cancer, anxiety and attention disorders." (Time magazine, July 25, 2016."

  1. Hiking at least twice/week since age 21. Hiking is a transcendent, uplifting experience for me. I feel grounded and centered in the mountains.

  2. Slow, deep breathing. Lace your fingers behind your head. Spread out your elbows. This forces you to breath deeply. Slowly inhale for 5 seconds; hold for 5 seconds; exhale for 7 seconds. Repeat for 10 minutes.

  3. Meditation since age 21.

  4. Tai Chi

  5. Yoga

7

I just do as my mother taught me. Buck up!

6

I deal with stress with exercise and running....and dancing and listening to music.. But more often. Running...

6

I have learned not to exacerbate stress through the thinking of untrue, negative thoughts. If something needs doing then do it. If nothing can be done then lie lowly and make the best of things. But in no case should a person build up panic, anger and fear by instilling falsehoods into their subconscious minds.

Seems about half of all news articles and half the posts here involve stirring up fear and hatred.

6

Meditation does help. So does engaging yourself in productive activity.

5

I go to my hippie sites, go for a hike, listen to music and talk to friends.

5

I like to sing a happy song. Going for a walk in the local park is also very calming. 🙂

5

I’ve always listened to my (not any god’s) voice telling me what I need. Then I do it. Activity is my favorite thing—creating...a plant, a bug spray, unclogging something.

5

Well, at the moment I don't like my job, I'm taking measures to put myself in a good situation, no matter what happens and see how it goes. In the meantime I just had a can of Beamish and I'll be relaxing. Hopefully I'll get a good night's sleep and everything will be alright. If not, deal with it, no choice.

4

A cup of iced coffee or a long walk in the woods

4

My best stress reliever is to smoke a bowl, take off my shoes, use sunscreen put on a hat then go outside and get my hands in the dirt. I get grounded by going barefoot and feel so much better when I’m done.😍

4

I just go to the next item...
I learned there isn't much i can do about bullshit, mine or anyone elses.

4

For myself it's a combination of several responses I've read from others. I too find relaxation in a little weed and a couple of drinks. I've also developed a hardened shell and and lob some well placed F-bombs at those who have them coming. I also like to get some exercise and just disconnect from everything.

Oftentimes it's a combination of some or all of that.

4

Smokin' weed is my lifelong primary source of stress relief, although that is not an option right now as I will be tested for a new job on Tuesday. A bottle of 12 yo single malt is the stand by. Being 56 now, I've endured much much worse episodes than that currently being experienced. Just be patient, knowing things WILL get better, but you have to be around to see it happen. Keep breathing!

4
3

I stay obsessed with my hobbies. Just escape and do something for awhile. Anything. Just go outside and pull weeds, or throw rocks at the neighbors, or yell obsenities at passing cars. Or go piss off the neighbors pit bull for a real hoot! Just stay busy........After you get out.

3

I deal with stress mostly by avoiding it. Way too many people thrive in stress and even try to create it. I do all I can to avoid it. Stress and drama go hand in hand. I do not like either but I am aware that your job can stress you if you let it. Sometimes this happens because you are one person at work and another person when not at work. I try to be the same person all the time and it's OK because I have no desire to be corporate in any way. I try to not let my work or other people play games with me.

I don't see anyone playing games with you. A great trait to have.

3

A good walk in woods or just sitting with my bare feet on the ground while quietly reading a good book with music does wonders.

3

I make sure workouts and yoga remain a priority.
Sometimes I get mighty frustrated and despair ....( or rejoice - depending on my mood ) at the idea that humans may become extinct.
I allow myself to indulge in extra chocolate (no weight gain).
I either contact friends, or studiousy avoid them.
I listen to, or make, music that feeds my spirit.
I cry - sometimes unexpectedly.
I laugh because it feels good.
I (and they) savor extra affection moments with my animals.
I read.
I fix stuff around the house - always something to tend to.
I hike the woods, and bicycle, and motorcycle ( not all at the same time ) - all perfect ways to isolate, and enjoy so much beauty and wildlife around me.
I remain grateful for my health, ingenuity, and common sense.

3

Never give in. Baby steps.

That's what I say: baby steps and also remember there are things out of my control...

3

ice cream is a good one.

2

I'm very good at going with the flow and not getting stressed. When my husband was dying I walked about 4 miles a day in the neighborhood where the hospital was located so I guess I do turn to exercise when there's something I can't avoid.

exercise keeps me sane as well as healthy

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