Write everyday. Write about what's stressing you out. Write as honestly as you can. Writing makes things more real than they are in your head and gives you a deeper perspective. Or do other forms of art. But, if you're not a natural artist, writing is the best way since it is really just talking to yourself. If you don't like writing, you could just talk to yourself. Smoke weed and take a long, hot shower. Close your eyes and imagine the solutions to your problems. Try to get as many small details in as possible, with bright colors and smiling faces. Put on music that makes you feel super good (the kind that makes you want to drop to your knees and lift your fists toward the sky and be like FUCK YEEEEEEEAHHHHHHH). Uncoincidently, this is the technique used in television commercials to get you to feel good about their products (bright colors, beautiful people, emotional music.)
Do some volunteer work. It will give you a positive way to spend some time. You will help others and you will feel good about giving back to the community. You'll meet some new people, and hopefully come to realize that as bad as your current situation is, it could be worse. With the holidays coming up, there will be plenty of opportunities to help others. Sorry to hear about your situation. No idea what the specifics are, but I also went through a very stressful period about a year and a half ago. A little over a year ago, I reconnected with some old friends and have spent a lot more time with my out-of-state family. I have to say, I am now happier than I've ever been. 2012 was the best year of my life, and 2013 looks like it will be even better. Hang in there, you can get through this. BNM
I completely agree with this one. Do something to help out others who are maybe not as fortunate as you are. It puts your own life into perspective, and it really does make a difference in helping people. I am helping serve Thanksgiving dinner this year in Portland, and my 9 year-old daughter is going to go as well. I also posted last month about distributing backpacks to kids at a NE Portland K-8 school. You'd be surprised how many organizations can use volunteers, even if it's just for a few hours a month.
Oh, and berating people on a message board doesn't work, because I've tried that one many times before.
Google progressive muscle relaxation. It's not a miracle, but it helps me when the stress starts getting me down. Go Blazers
I have been doing some volunteer work at a mental health clinic as part of my requirements to graduate and to be honest, its depressing as shit to me. Like, I'm working with senior citizens right now and I'm shadowing a case manager and I'm going out to their homes and seeing their living conditions and how neglected they are and how a lot of them have nobody. On multiple occasions an hour long sessions has turned into 2 hours just because they've got somebody to talk to and they do anything they can to keep the company around. Even though we're helping, it still is depressing. Its bittersweet to me. I've got some great recommendations here, thank you all. I appreciate this so much. My stresses are nothing major, just transitional stages in life. Again, Thank you guys for the ideas and recommendations.
Challenge Accepted! Seriously though I would schedule a massage and/or a spa day, it will help with your work outs also. Take a yoga or meditation class, or at the very least learn some breathing techniques. Learn to play a guitar or instrument. Check your local community college for non credit classes. Learn to appreciate the moment and dont live in the future.
