It’s not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it. ~ Hans Selye
The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for good. Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom. ~ James Allen
We all have stress in our lives. In fact, many would argue, that life is stress… and that if we do not have stressors in our lives, then perhaps we are not really living our lives – at least not to their full capacity.
I think it is critical to build times and spaces and activities in our lives that allow for our stress to be decreased. There are many things we can do to relieve stress. Today is dedicated towards starting a list of stress relieving activities – PLEASE add to the list!
Today, 127 days ’til 40, I will strive to me more conscious of ways that I can reduce the feeling of stress in my life.
~400daystil40
Stress Relieving Activities
- Take a nap
- Play a musical instrument
- Take a walk
- Exercise
- Read a book
- Meet a friend for coffee
- Eat ice cream
- Make a “to do” list, and then follow it
- Take deep breaths
- Drink a cup of tea
- Find chocolate
- Speak with a professional
- Ride a bicycle
- Walk on the beach
- Yell and scream your problems into the sand
- Makes a new friend
- Take a dog for a walk
- Pet and cuddle with a cat
- Bake cookies
- Take a vacation
- Knit
- Quilt
- Paint
- Journal
- Play sports
Fortuitous Forty!!! 
viveka
October 17, 2012 at 01:47
Since I stopped working … stress isn’t that big problem anymore – but I liked to be a bit under stress and pressure while working, was preforming a lot better then.
Today I get stressed if I can’t find my glasses, wallet or internet are not working as it should, then I take a nap after I have eaten a big bowl of ice cream. And it works … when I wake up the problems are still there, but it doesn’t bother me any longer.
400daystil40
October 17, 2012 at 23:11
I love the ice cream solution – before I gave up gluten and sugar that was one of my absolute favorite stress relief options…. now it is popcorn or some gluten free snack… not the same!
A Table in the Sun
October 17, 2012 at 02:35
I’ll add my favorite. #26 Find a green space.
400daystil40
October 17, 2012 at 23:10
I like that! I love walking in the forest!
buckwheatsrisk
October 17, 2012 at 02:37
blog! hike…
400daystil40
October 17, 2012 at 23:09
Oh no, how did I manage to leave blogging off this list???? Embarrassing!
buckwheatsrisk
October 18, 2012 at 00:21
i was wondering! LOL
sahbinahvioletflynn
October 17, 2012 at 03:21
Express gratitude for the small, yet wonderous things in life (like a dew kissed spider web).
Enjoy a magenta sunset.
Have a tub soak with a glass of wine.
Listen to your fave CD and dance like crazy.
Hug your kid(s).
Chop onions (this really works for me…a heavy knife in hand chop, chop, chopping away).
400daystil40
October 17, 2012 at 23:09
I LOVE the gratitude suggestion!!! (and the hug your kids one!)
SkiDaddy
October 17, 2012 at 07:52
Wine always works, lots of wine LOL
400daystil40
October 17, 2012 at 23:09
Hehehe – I am sure you are not the only one!
sakuraandme
October 17, 2012 at 08:31
Lay in the sun and get some much needed vitamin D!!!!. *smiling*
400daystil40
October 17, 2012 at 23:08
Ah, yes, great thought! 🙂
Katherine CheckleyK
October 17, 2012 at 14:06
There’s always meditation and yoga! I like to look at old family photographs to remember where I came from. It usually puts me at ease. I also just like to simply lay down. Take a break…get away. Look at the window, etc. Thanks for posting this. Stress is all over my life!
400daystil40
October 17, 2012 at 23:08
Yes, I did not even think of photos, such a cool idea!
Sharon Hughson
October 17, 2012 at 14:51
As you mentioned, stress means we’re alive, but not dealing with stress in a healthy manner can lead to serious health issues. Here are a few additions off the top of my head:
Pray, meditate, yoga, Pilates, unload on a willing friend, watch a comedy, play a game with friends or family, take a hot bath
400daystil40
October 17, 2012 at 23:08
Great ideas!!!
Naia
October 17, 2012 at 16:17
You already added “quilting,” which is number one for me.
Thank you,
Naia.
400daystil40
October 17, 2012 at 23:07
Yes, that is a great stress release!
saymber
October 17, 2012 at 18:18
Great list 400! Exercise is a big one, walking specifically. Walking and exercise are about the only things that really quell the “beast” inside whether it be stress, restlessness or other intense negative emotions.
400daystil40
October 17, 2012 at 23:07
Yes, great points!
Another Thousand Words
October 17, 2012 at 20:42
Excellent advice, 400…and I find it amazing (amusing?) that “Take a nap” is #1 on your list!
400daystil40
October 17, 2012 at 23:07
You have read enough of my blog to almost predict the “take a nap” option 🙂
walkwiththerabbi
October 17, 2012 at 21:35
Focus on others rather than ourself. No one to focus on? It’s time to open that bottle of red wine you’ve been saving and treat yourself to a nice glass of vino. No wine? How about a chocolate cake fight with good friends. No cake? I could go on but proper decorum demands I stop here. The imagination has no limits! Hugs from here.
400daystil40
October 17, 2012 at 23:07
🙂
sued51
October 18, 2012 at 15:17
Some great suggestions. I saw an interesting article online the other day about how they think depression could be an “allergic” reaction to stress for some people. I wish I had the link (it was either on Yahoo or MSN). They’ve done tests in mice and there are certain mice that react to stress with depression (there are chemical brain reactions).
400daystil40
October 18, 2012 at 22:21
Wow, that is a very interesting observation, and I can completely see that……. hmm, I think there was a time in my life when I was allergic to stress!!!
Sid Dunnebacke
October 19, 2012 at 21:37
Great list, but #11 needs to also say “and snarf it down”. I mean, right?
400daystil40
October 19, 2012 at 22:25
lol!!!