What are your best relaxation methods?

This one is tricky as I use different methods depending on where I am.

1. Has to be stroking a cat, nothing reduces my anxiety faster or more completely
2. Walking, this lifts my mood as well as reducing my anxieties.
3. Listening to music. I use this one on the train as caring a cat would be impractical shappy
4. Drawing. I cannot draw for toffee, but I find the process very relaxing. Rather like Zen archery without the arrows :laugh:

I voted for yoga.
I don't get to do it very often where I live{long story} but yoga shows you how much unecessary tension you carry around inside your body without even knowing it. I also have a slight bursitis issue in my right arm and yoga resolves that as well. Music/reading etc make my mind race, which is awesome when I'm trying to create, but the detachment and relaxation from yoga helps me eliminate stress.

Words Waywith Wrote:...yoga shows you how much unecessary tension you carry around inside your body without even knowing it. I also have a slight bursitis issue in my right arm and yoga resolves that as well. Music/reading etc make my mind race, which is awesome when I'm trying to create, but the detachment and relaxation from yoga helps me eliminate stress.

I am interested in learning more about yoga, but unfortunately all group activities are 'out of bounds' until I get my SP under control again. ssad

Can't you practise yoga on your own at home? I have heard that there are special self-help yoga DVDs that you can use. Or do you not think it's a very good idea?

Ellen Wrote:Can't you practise yoga on your own at home? I have heard that there are special self-help yoga DVDs that you can use. Or do you not think it's a very good idea?

The problem with self-help DVD's and books is there is no one qualified to see if you are following the correct procedure. I remember when aerobic videos were all the rage; more than a few turned out to contain ether useless or harmful practices. ssad

For me. Nothing relaxes me more than.

1. Smoking a cigarette.
2. Listening to music.
3. Being with my fiance.
4. Drawing.
5. Writting lyrics or poetry.

i voted for:
animals....it is very relaxing to have a cat on your lap petting them, hearing them purr or watch fish swim in a fish tank & listening to the running water.


aromatherapy.... oils & incense can be very relaxing... a nice lavender or gardenia does the trick for me...just close my eyes & the smell can take me away.



massage.... these are very nice to work away tension & stress that you have built up in your body, helps the mind too.


*although these wont help me during a panic attack, these are definately beneficiary to me on a normal day to get rid of stress*

1)Anything soft and furry. Rabbits (Not daniel though) guinnea pigs and cats are my favorite.
2) Cycling great distances
3)Music. What type depends on my mood.
4) Writing, anything will do as long as it means I can escape.

I always found exercise and music to be the best.

Playing games, talking to friends, drawing and looking at art helps for me.

Music for me, both listening and playing..More so when I'm playing guitar..When I play, it's like I go into a trance and forget everything around me.

Have to say although its not on the list Sex is a good stress relief :laugh:

I voted for exercise. When I'm really stressing and anxious, going for a run where I really push myself physically is the most effective way for me to re-channel my nervous energy.

I have just started doing exercises at home in the evening and I must say it does leave you with some very positive emotions! So I have to say exercise with mucic in the background