How do you try eliminate stress from your life?

[Henrietta23]

I try to keep things simple. I try to keep things organized. We don't get over involved in activities if we can help it. Our faith is a huge part of our lives and that is the biggest help. We have good friends and family for support in tough times. On a daily basis, if I'm stressing I'll spend some time outdoors with the birds, or walk a dog. I take yoga classes when I can.

 

[me&thegals]

All of the above (except drinking beer ). When my chest feels tight and I can't get a deep breath, it's time to take a look around and see what can go. So, unfortunately, I think I will not get set up for bees by spring. I could push myself like crazy and make it happen, but I think I will instead focus on all the other things I want to get done.

 

[Homesteadmom]

Prayer & gardening. Pulling weeds is a big stress reliver for me.

 

[andehens]

keeping a list and crossing stuff off as I go tends to stop those voices in my head screaming that I have so much to do, I should stress about it!!!!

 

[freemotion]

keeping a list and crossing stuff off as I go tends to stop those voices in my head screaming that I have so much to do, I should stress about it!!!!

When I get overwhelmed by the lists, I transfer each item to a slip of paper (recycled, of course!) so I can stack the to-do's into piles....these items are errands for when I go out in the car, these items are done outside in get-dirty clothes, these items are in the house, these items can be done after supper, etc.

Then I sort by order of urgency, the most urgent on top. That way, I only see one task, not twenty! If there are too many tasks, I tend to pick the easiest or the one I like to do, not the most urgent. That gets me in trouble and creates more stress. This method reduces stress by having the list, organizing it in the most efficient way, and forcing me to do the most urgent tasks first.

Then I can save the rest for later without re-writing my list.

This also keeps me from forgetting some of those little but important tasks, like dropping off one piece of mail while I'm out getting groceries, or putting one nail in a board that is loose while I am outside working. I can carry the appropriate pile of tasks with me, too.

Works great when I follow it! The idea came from the book How to Get Organized Without Resorting to Arson.

 

[me&thegals]

ps--just a little picky side note about the word "eliminate." In my mind, NO stress would be so boring, unproductive and depressing. I think what I'm always trying for is that personal, unique (for each fo us) balance where there's enough stress but not too much.

 

[freemotion]

A little stress is motivating, a lot is debilitating! Finding the balance is the key!

 

[andehens]

A little stress is motivating, a lot is debilitating! Finding the balance is the key!

so true and its those little things that have to go on my list b/c I will forget to drop off that one piece of mail, or what ever! Listing the little things also quiets the "whadja forget?, whatdja forget? voice) You sound very organized! I think thats a good key to minimizing stress.

 

[Beekissed]

ps--just a little picky side note about the word "eliminate." In my mind, NO stress would be so boring, unproductive and depressing. I think what I'm always trying for is that personal, unique (for each fo us) balance where there's enough stress but not too much.

That is why the word "try" is in front of the word "eliminate"!

 

[ams3651]

gardening really destresses me, even watching the chickens for a few minutes is relaxing (byc'ers know what I mean), my boyfriend and I take 2 nights a week to watch movies and snuggle up and that is my ultimate destresser, as long as the kids dont wake up and interrupt. And when it gets real bad.............I cry, then smoke a cigarette


Im a list maker too, Im always worried I forgot to pay a bill. So my little calendar book is my sanity. I write everything down and I dont have to worry about forgetting. I will also get out of bed to write something down that comes to my head so i can stop worrying about it.