Destress yourself

How do you destress? I quit smoking many years ago, I don't drink, I try to find positive ways to destress at the end of the day. Today was definitely one of those days. When I got in the car I screamed out loud while sitting in a parking lot. Then turned up my music so I could belt out a tune as if I were trying out for a show, before pulling away I reached for my gum and began blowing as many bubbles as possible - this helps to take deep cleansing breaths.  I was about to buy myself flowers to cheer me up when I decided on buying a book instead ... I figured it would last longer)  When I arrived at home I had cookies and milk - my all time comfort food (while not healthy what could a couple cookies hurt anyway) ... well just in case I did a few exercises to strengthen my core before sinking into a nice hot bath.

I talked to my best friend who always gives me the best advice and helps to bring me back to center, and said the serenity prayer a few times. I also got a few good hugs from some of my favorite people, and shed a few quiet tears. After all of this I believe I will actually sleep tonight and pray for a better day tomorrow.  An Obstitritian I had a long time a go used to tell me at the end of the appointment to "have a better day" I always thought this to be strange when I wasnt sick, but never the less it stuck in my brain.  So I sometimes wonder what other people do to destress in a good way? I've included some pictures from some of my vacations, it's nice to think of fun times when your having a yucky day. I 've also included at the bottom of this message a short list of other things I could've done or that you may want to try the next time.

• Meditate - deep breathing to help bring down your heart rate. Counting slowly at the same time or thinking a repititious saying in your head .
• Blowing bubbles - I choose the bubble gum kind since I was in the car - but who doesn't love just blowing bubbles? You know like when you were a kid out of the jar. Either way it helps you take deep breaths.
• Take a walk - burn off anger calories
• Manicure/pedicure - wither done by a salon or yourself at home, concentrating on painting and filing.
• Buy yourself flowers - who says you have to wait on Mr. Right to bring them?
• Take a nap - aaaaaaaaa sleep
• Clean your house - or just one drawer or closet or shelf
• Ask someone else how was their day? Take the focus off of yourself for a few.
• Go look in the mirror and tell yourself I am beautiful, I am strong, I can do this.
• Watch mindless tv for awhile & give your brain a break
• Draw, Color, doodle or journal

I could go on for miles; but lets all have a better day tomorrow for it is late and its time to shut it down.

Goodnight,
Bec