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Busting Stress Busters

Im having the most awful afternoon. Got home from work around 2:00 and went straight to bed with the AC on and slept until 6:30, at which point I promptly decided to skip my Experiencing God class--not a huge letdown by any means. I was supposed to go to the gym as well this afternoon but ate a tin of sardines instead. In a few minutes I can go let the Johnsons dogs out for the final time tonight and then go to bed for good, or at least for good until tomorrow morning, when I will try to reboot my life yet again. I was supposed to get it rebooted today but obviously something went terribly wrong.

Ive been reading all these tips on ways to relax and destress. Usually lists like these stress me out, but I thought it might be amusing to take inventory...:

1. Meditation can be a great way to relax, especially if you are under a lot of stress.

Well, if you substitute the word prayer for mediation, I almost have to agree, although sadly prayer works only about fifty percent of the time (see previous rants on my part). The other fifty percent of the time I just get really pissed off--not helpful. I have the best of intentions to read my Bible and pray every day, but long ago I came to the conclusion that God doesnt care that much about regulations. Hed rather he had my full attention the times when I do come to him. I think.

2. Green tea is very soothing--it contains theanine, an amino acid that gives flavor to green tea and also promotes relaxation.

Green tea doesnt soothe me, it kicks me in the seat of the pants. I end up running around in circles until I fall over. Also, it makes my tendinitis worse. Whatever.

3. Eat 3-4 Hershey Kisses, or a small handful of pretzels (serotonin boosting foods).

Yes, yes, yes!!!!!

4. Create a Relaxation Space. It doesnt have to be a room per se --it can be a space in your bedroom solely devoted to relaxing.

I dont have enough room in my apartment to donate to a special place to relax, but I do find it nice to retreat to places outside my apartment from time to time--like the graveyard or the park or sometimes the church sanctuary, though usually I end up crying my eyes out so perhaps thats not the best. I think I far prefer long car rides where Im the passenger. Going to New Hampshire or Massachusetts for the day? Sign me up. I will ride along and ask for no further entertainment than that. Well, unless youre one of those drivers who cant shut up and give me peace and quiet to mellow out. If you are, just forget it.

5. Listen to music. Soothing music can be very relaxing.

Um, folks? I know this is true of everyone else in the known universe, but music makes me frenetically, disgustingly, awfully, horribly, terribly sad. All music. The better it is, the worse it feels. Sorry.

6. Enjoy a (self) massage. Use aromatherapy oils such as chamomile or lavender to massage yourself.

The thought of trying to reach all the hard to reach spots on my back is stressing me out. And I hate the smell of lavender.

7. Indulge in a hot bath. Heat relaxes muscles--and taking a long bath can be soothing for the mind as well.

Yes, they told me this over and over when I was in the hospital--when you get home, dont forget to try hot baths. So I tried them. Theres only a couple of problems: I live in Maine where half the year any and all bathwater cools off to the temperature of ice cubes within thirty seconds, and I also have three Pomeranians who will decide, without fail, that they need to go out and pee as soon as Im comfortably soaking.

8. Exercise helps to boost endorphins and reduce stress--and research shows that 20 minutes each day is all that is needed to experience benefits.

TRYING TO GET TO THE GYM RIGHT NOW IS STRESSING ME OUT, SO JUST SHUT UP!

Whew. I feel much better.

Thanks to Mind

Article Source: http://www.thearticleshare.com

About the Author (text)

Anna is a freelance writer and painter who using her talents to cope with depression, Borderline Personality Disorder, and three active little Pomeranians. You can check out more of her satire and angst at annamade.blogspot.com/

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