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Relaxing activities/coping mechanisms

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Posted 6/29/2013 8:19 PM (GMT 0)
Yesterday, after my two-day meltdown from therapy, I went into a phase of intentionally doing things that help ease my stress. Enough of them back to back and I finally stopped wishing the floor would swallow me up. :-/

I thought I would share some and hope you guys will, too. These are not really like coping skills - just stuff that makes me happy, so actively choosing to do them makes me feel better.

1. Picking blackberries - Blackberries grow wild here. (I think certain fruits/berries grow wild in most areas, might be worth researching for your area.) This reminds me of abundance - here's this beautiful, delicious, nutritious food, free for the taking. No toil or investment necessary. It reminds me of God's promise to feed even the birds - I always leave some ripe ones for the birds.

2. Shopping for pretty stuff - I can't afford shopping sprees, exactly. Yesterday, I took $3 into a department store and looked for the prettiest thing it would buy. Hello, beautiful nail polish!
(Here's what I got for $1.97 - http://workplaypolish.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/gartermybelt.jpg)

3. Getting facebook love - I know this sounds vain. I'm a photographer, so I photographed my berries and shared the pic online. All of the "likes" and comments make me feel loved.

4. Scented candles - I've got a "tropical breeze" burning on my desk now.

5. Festive drinks - Made myself a virgin pina colada. :)

6. Childlike activities - I sat in the floor to watch television.

7. Peaceful spaces - We have all of our really good linens in the guest bedroom. There are breezy, sheer white curtains. All you can see out the windows are trees - cherry, magnolia, cedar, oak, pine... I sat in there and said "ahhhh...."

8. Upbeat music - Music that's about feeling better than I do. I blasted and sang along with "Look at me now" by Karmin.
(yellow model chick, yellow bottle sippin', yellow lamborghini, yellow top missin' - haha)

9. Blowing bubbles - yep, as in the child's toy. Seriously, try it.

There are lots of other things. I realize mine probably all sound vain or materialistic, but I have a strong need to feel valuable/liked. Sorry!

What are things that relax you guys?
Posted 6/29/2013 9:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hey BeRock,

This is some great stuff. I know you said it's just stuff that makes you happy but they are coping skills as well. They don't sound vain. I'm glad you found some things that helps you.

I also enjoy scented candles and upbeat music.
One coping skill I have been using regularly is breathing. It helps me a lot.

UA
Posted 6/30/2013 4:27 AM (GMT 0)
Hummm, so you like childlike things. "and the Children Shall Lead Them". Quote from a Famous Guy!
Be do you have any idea what your IQ is? The things You come up with are startlingly beautiful!
I gotta start those adoption papers! "its all about being Happy in the Moment" Peace

Larry ***
Posted 6/30/2013 5:16 AM (GMT 0)
That famous guy has given us a lot of wisdom hasn't He? :)

Thank you for the compliment! My IQ was tested at school in 6th grade so I could get into the enrichment program. It was 197 then.

Lemme know when I need to sign the papers! :D
Posted 6/30/2013 5:18 AM (GMT 0)
haha - I had the little kid version of a panic attack that day, too. I didn't know I was being tested - I just knew I got called to the principal's office over the intercom. haha!
Posted 6/30/2013 5:29 AM (GMT 0)
You have all the intelligence compassion and ability to become a Great Counselor or Teacher, you are still
young and can be anything you want, I know you want children, but there are always children in a class
room that don't have the Love they really need, I'm just a foolish old man, go where ever the Spirit leads
you. Always, Peace

Larry ***
Posted 6/30/2013 5:36 AM (GMT 0)
You're a very wise man. Teaching is exactly what I want to do - I want to teach English to Jr. High/High School.

I started an English Education degree. Did great until the second semester of my Junior year. I went through one of my really bad episodes of depression that semester and really bombed out. I hope to go back when I can afford to pay my way - I was on scholarship then and failed several classes (spent 75% of my time asleep at my apartment). In the meantime, I volunteer with girl scouts. :D
Posted 6/30/2013 5:51 AM (GMT 0)
I just knew it, a good teacher can accomplish so much with children, I taught the History of Christianity
to Sophomores "no one else wanted them". I never had a student drop from my class in 15 years. Sweet
Child this old man is headed for bed, Your in my Prayers and my Heart, You will be Delivered from this
Lions Den. Peace

Larry ***
Posted 6/30/2013 10:35 AM (GMT 0)
Hi BeRock,

It was great to read your post, I really enjoyed reading it! Best Wishes :)
Posted 6/30/2013 9:32 PM (GMT 0)
I suffer with trichotillomania, which gets worse if I'm feeling stressed, so I too need to find things to help keep me relaxed.

Personally, and for a lot of others, the thing that helps me the most is painting. I have to use both my hands so it keeps me from tugging at my eyebrows. I'm a terrible artist but if I'm having a bad trich day painting really helps. It also means I have to clean up afterwards which kills a bit more hair-pulling time!!


Really great post, by the way! :)
Posted 7/1/2013 3:12 AM (GMT 0)
Hey girl, you ok? Peace

Larry ***
Posted 7/1/2013 5:07 AM (GMT 0)
Larry, I am okay! Thanks for your concern. Today was a really, really, really good day. ZERO panic attacks. Hubby took me for a whole day on the town and we laughed like children. :-D
Posted 7/1/2013 5:10 AM (GMT 0)
HappyBean - Thank you, friend! Hugs!

allmyb0nes - I'm sorry to hear about the trich! I'm having an issue with something somewhat similar. Not actually pulling hair, but twisting it until it breaks off. It's not my eyebrows, though, my head hair. I've been keeping it in a tight bun, but still end up pulling strands loose without realizing it.

I LOVE painting! Right now, my therapist is trying to help me get back to a place where I CAN, though. I have 17 canvases with started paintings right now. My OCD/Perfectionism has been a little crippling in that area.

I bet your paintings are better than you think. I find that art is the best when there's emotion poured into it. Keep making the world more beautiful, friend! :)
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