Senior woman writing in notebook
Life is full of ups and downs. You take the good with the bad. You can forgive but you can’t forget. Words hurt like a punch and the bruises and scars seem to remain forever. How do you release stress during the healing process? Yoga, sleeping, crying, therapy, walking, running, promiscuity, massage, shopping, eating? It’s just you and me and I need to know the truth. Be honest. 😉
um, chocolate!!! that’s my release!
I know it’s not really good for me but I love it and paired with a glass of wine it’s the antidote to any stress I am feeling- I wish they made 0 calorie chocolate!
I used to always have a glass of wine after my daughter went to bed, but I am trying to be healthier so now I have a few frozen grapes instead, they taste delicious and are good in the summer heat and kinda have a wine taste!
Massage, Sauna, ice cream, and and pen and paper. In that order. 🙂
My personal release differs from day to day, and from situation to situation. On my minimal stress days, my release may be to work with my hands. I dabble in reclaiming and painting items, and this “downtime” where I can lose myself in the process gives my mind time to relax and recharge. However, on my high stress days it may take something stronger and more potent. It may include just taking 45 minutes to lay back and will myself to relax, and soaking in the silence around me. Most often than not I do find a way to achieve my release, so that I may then regroup and continue forwards.
I find that golfing and working out are the best ways for me to relieve any stress in my life. They both have a way of keeping my mind occupied and focused on the moment, rather than on what is worrying me. When I have some downtime, I also find writing helps clear my head and put things in perspective for me. There are just some situations where I am more clear in my written words than in my voice or conversations.
This week has been, so far, a very stress filled one indeed–both personally and professionally. With my usual outlets for stress release not working as well, I have had to try to find another avenue. With that thought in mind, I have decided to do what I always said I would do, but never did. I am going to try my hand at journaling. I have many friends and acquaintances who tell me frequently how their journals have helped them. They also recommend writing in a journal, as opposed to using a computer. That one I will have to think about. I have truly become a child of the digital age, having gotten away from handwriting. So that brings to thought a question. Is the written word, penned by your own hand, more cathartic than the typed word? Is there more emotion filtered into the written phrase, than that of the type word on a cold computer screen? I wonder with most people getting away from actually “writing” these days, if that will factor into increased stress levels. I guess to each their own, and as they say, time will tell.
I find the pen the paper so cathartic Tracy. Just like I love to read books I can feel, touch, and physically turn the pages. Rather than reading from a Kindle or other device. I was once in a Dr’s office and the nurse said What is that? pointing to my library book. I said Excuse me? She replied I haven’t seen one of those in so long. Wow, they still make those? -frowning her face btw. I was appalled to say the least, as I could not imagine a world without books.
Totally agree with you about real books- I like an E-reader for vacations because I read 4 or5 books on a long trip and that takes up a lot of space in your luggage so they are convenient, but nothing beats a real book- I actually love the smell of old books and find second-hand bookstores smell amazing!!
I love that smell too! lol