Stress Management

[BrandonJ]

Brothers,

I know we have all been there many times, I in fact am there now. The proverbial 'life rut'. What do you do for a mini vacation / stress relief throughout the day? I can only smoke so many cigars. :eyebrow:

It all adds up, 50 hour + work weeks, I am back to school after a uhem 12 year old furlough. Keeping the house up, the list goes on and on.

So what helps?

Zen sandbox on your desk? Copious amounts of 'hookers and blow' *kidding*.

I wanna know how other brothers maintain.

Keep it real,
Brandon

 

[Moro]

A cigar and/or a glass. Workout. A cold shower. Those three if I can, if not, the easiest.

 

[ECPrevatte]

If I am stressed the fastest way I calm down, or relax is changing to some calm music. Itunes<Radio<Ambient=Win.

 

[dpricenator]

There is always something to be said for Hookers and Blow, but the wife and kids can get in the way of that. So I like a cigar, while golfing justr a drive to the beach and back, take the kids to the park to run. lots of stuff to do, but you gotta leave the problems at the door, and enjoy.

 

[coppereagl]

Mine is working out, I have found I cannot maintain a good state of mental health without being physically fit. My wife has even caught on, she notices that I will lose my temper more easily and show signs of stress if I have not been to the gym for a prolonged period. Theres nothing better than that natural high I get after a solid workout, I sleep better, my outlook on life improves, and my though process improves dramatically.

Cigars and good libation are just hobbies, things I enjoy. But when it comes to real stress management I turn to the gym. Lifting weights, cardio and practicing MMA is my personal stress management, and I have found no substitute.

 

[Sigolo VI]

I have a sign on my desk that simply says "90/10". Whenever I start to feel myself heading over the edge, I look to my sign and remember what it means. Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you deal with it. I've lived through a hell of a lot over the past 10 years: the world's ugliest divorce, an ex-wife who took 80% of my life's savings in said ugly divorce, going from financial properity to financial ruin in two years, etc., etc. I just always focus on keeping things in perspective. Develop the mental toughness to say (and truly believe) you can handle any damn thing that life wants to throw at you.

Aside from that, I hit the gym on a regular basis. And when things get really nuts, I head for my farm, start up a campfire, grab a good smoke and a glass of Crown Royal XR, and sit there looking up at the stars. Helps me to remember that 90/10 thing.

 

[jwintosh]

i shoot people! i figure, if i'm having a bad day, you're going to have a bad day too!! I'm JOKING!!

For me, it's a mind set. kind of like a quick meditation, clear the mind, focus on the task at hand, re-engage. something i learned about 10 years ago (i used to have a terrible temper that would last for days)....

 

[Holy_Diver]

Everything seems to be easier to deal with when you "take a step back" and think of all the things that are bothering you in terms of your life goals. Next I try and take pride out of being productive every day (looks like you defiantly get a lot done). Then def. what coppereagl said hammer that gym, its essential to keeping a sharp outlook and wit. Also I think that doing random stuff and learning a little about something new that interests you everyday keeps these ruts from coming back. (learn to brew beer, make lasers, pick locks.. whatever) Keep you from going stagnant "fall into the same routine" and into a "life rut"

Cheers

 

[Soundwave13]

I've played music (guitar) to unwind & channel energy since I was thirteen, it's been there for me like a best friend through thick & thin. (Reading is a good 'escape' at times too.)

I also used a lot of substances up until about 23. Effective, but I discovered that I was either really good at it or really horrible at it (the jury is still out on that one).

Recently I've discovered that I actually enjoy working out... Complete revelation to me... It really does wonders for my attitude & outlook.

Most of all - good friends that I trust & have earned their trust. Hanging out, talking trash, and venting about our day-to-day is critical. Whether it's telling dirty jokes, discussing heavy issues or quitely sinking into cigar-bliss...

 

[Volusianator]

Linda and I were stressed out about a month ago so we went and spent the night at a hotel in Green Bay. Sauna, hot tub, sauna, hot tub, sex, sauna, hot tub...it worked for us.

 

[VillageIdiot]

Yard work. I find some physical labor to do alone. Even doing something to the car. Just to get my mind on other things.

 

[NightStogy]

chewing tobacco @ work

 

[Saully]

Mine is working out, I have found I cannot maintain a good state of mental health without being physically fit. My wife has even caught on, she notices that I will lose my temper more easily and show signs of stress if I have not been to the gym for a prolonged period. Theres nothing better than that natural high I get after a solid workout, I sleep better, my outlook on life improves, and my though process improves dramatically.

Cigars and good libation are just hobbies, things I enjoy. But when it comes to real stress management I turn to the gym. Lifting weights, cardio and practicing MMA is my personal stress management, and I have found no substitute.

I agree. Whatever the exercise may be (swimming now for me) it helps a lot.

 

[MrRockabilly]

Exercise is probably the most common activity when you're stressed out. But, sometimes it's hard to get to the gym or just gather the energy to run, walk, pushups . . . so it may help to pickup a hobby.

Model cars, trains, miniatures . . . you'd be surprised how rewarding it is when you finish that model car, or that 1000 piece puzzle. Really helps when you're working 11 hours a day and feel like you accomplished nothing.

 

[Halon]

Shoot guns. Lots of guns. Preferably at targets that explode!
I also like to pop my ass in a chair by the lake and throw a bobber and a worm out there. I can sit all damn day doing nothing and it really helps to clear the mind.


TYLER

 

[Hardcore]

I love to go the gym & work out. Helps me unwind & chill out. I also enjoy getting out & doing some stuff outdoors. I love to hike, fish, & camp when I can. Something about being out there with just the serenity of nature calms me down & relaxes me.

 

[Swampfox21]

i do alittle PT, or shoot things, or go to the beach and chill in the water, or have a beer, or smoke a cigar ive been saving

 

[uncelnino]

Xanax

 

[BrandonJ]

Just hit the eliptical for 20, best I could do.. Damned winter hibernation!

 

[CWS]

The beach. A cigar, fly rod and walk the surf. Zen