Getting enough sleep, sipping greet tea throughout the day and exercise are my best stress busters... Also is gratitude. When ever things seem to be getting out of control I go back to keeping a gratitude journal. It has a great way of clearing the mind and putting life into proper perspective. Great blog! - 12/6/2011   10:38:56 AM

I stopped watching the news except for maybe the last 2 minutes. I don't read the 1st section of any newspaper. - 9/6/2011   6:11:04 PM

I stopped watching the news. Actually, I do check the major headlines just to keep informed. There is so much bad news plus so much of it is laced with opinions. I do a lot of exercise - either at the gym or cycling, skiing etc. It is the best stress reducer. I try to get outside as much as possible and stay away from the TV. - 5/29/2010   5:54:01 PM

Great Post! Dealing with stress has been a big obstacle in my life, but lately I’ve been making it a priority to not let stress and anxiety control my day to day life. One thing that has really helped with my stress is exercising. When I first started working out I hated it. Now I look forward to it because I have time to clear my head. If I have a lot on my mind, I just focus on the movement of my body so I don’t think of anything else. I also usually run to my favorite music, and this helps me relax as well. Not only is working out great for your mental health, it’s great for your physical health as well. Natural endorphins also make working out great, because you feel great afterward. Another thing I do is focus on the positives in my life. Instead of complain about the things going wrong, or things I don’t have, I try to give thanks to God for everything he has given me. Even if it’s something as simple as having food to eat, and clothing to wear. Because when you think of the bigger picture, do you realize how many people in the world don’t have even this? - 4/18/2010   12:04:35 AM

Don't have a healthy way to deal with stress except work-. Breathing exercises help, reading, and when I can go for a run. - 1/8/2010   2:51:20 AM

HALT will now become an important part of my goal vocabulary. Thanks for the great advice - I am such a mindless eater. - 1/7/2010   2:57:21 PM

THIS IS THE PERFECT BLOG FOR ME TO READ EVERY SINGLE DAY!!! STRESS IS MY MAIN PROBLEM. IT USED TO CAUSE SEIZURES. MY DR. AT ONE TIME GAVE ME THE SIGN THAT SAID, "GOD GRANT ME THE SERENITY TO ACCEPT THE THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE, COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN AND THE WISDOM TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE". MY PROBLEM ISN'T HTE WISDOM TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE, OR SELDOM IS COURAGE TO COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN, IT THE SERENITY TO ACCEPT THE THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE. THAT IS MY WEAKEST POINT. I PRAY THAT I GROW STRONGER IN ACCEPTING THE THINGS THAT I CAN'T CHANGE, LIKE MY SISTER BEING DIAGNOSED WITH CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER AT THE BEGINNING OF SEPTEMBER. THANKFULLY SHE IS A CHRISTIAN! - 10/7/2009   10:05:40 PM

great post.
One day I was so down that I could not stop to cry. I went to gym.
I used different equipment but with one requirement - nobody would see my face. I cried. Finally set by set I calm down. I finished my work out later then usual, but I was good. I could go out and do not hide my face. - 6/8/2009   3:13:42 PM

Great tips! You can never have enough advice on handling stress! - 6/1/2009   5:27:42 AM

This couldn't have come at a better time for me! GREAT BLOG! - 5/22/2009   1:09:33 PM

Thanks for sharing your insights and tips in how to deal with stress... my life or everything I though I had accomplished went downhills and it was very difficult and stressfull for me but I learned "to stop and smell the flowers"- I learned to embrace life and to have peace of mind and yes I believe in taking five minutes a day and meditate and appreciate all the things that do go right and thats were i put all my energy, I try to focus on the positive and learn from the negative... - 5/22/2009   1:03:35 PM

Unfortunately I have no success in this matter. It is to hard for me to control stress. - 5/22/2009   10:59:18 AM

"On Christ the solid rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand...." I find comfort and hope in the old time hymns and in the words of Christ my Lord, who said: "Come unto me all ye who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly of heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." And "In being careful for nothing, but in everything with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving making my requests known unto God ." What a blessing to KNOW that God is on my side and that He knows the beginning from the end. So even in time of insecurity, I know He knows...and cares. - 4/7/2009   11:31:14 PM

i take a nap sleep it off so my head will quit hurting if i can rest my body at the same time seems to help me the best better than advil or tylenol if not completely gone i will take a walk outdoors alone for some fresh air and relaxing nature from the country side helps me best - 3/23/2009   8:55:12 AM

I really don't allow situation to stress me. ( At least I believe I am not stress).
When I reach that point I always Pray. I ask for wisdom, strength and peace of mind. Then I move on to something else. - 3/21/2009   10:40:29 PM

Exercising helps as I'm doing it but it seems to come back when I'm done. I have found that the only way that I can truly deal with stress is with prayer. - 3/19/2009   9:14:46 AM

I find that I have stopped running from stress and just accept what is happening. For instance, when I am stressed out at work and realize I haven't had a day off in 6 months, I take a few days off and just realize WHY I'm stressed out. If my husband and I aren't connecting as much as we'd like, we take a time out to do something fun together. Doing yoga and getting "outside" time also help to reduce stess. And they say pet owners are the least stressed out people! I love to pet my dog! He's always happy, not matter what is happening! - 3/18/2009   10:23:11 PM

I find that handling stress in positive and healthy ways is a constant challenge. I believe that one's stress relieving choices can become habits that are no longer as effective as they once were. I find myself continually looking for choices or opportunities in relieving the daily stresses in my life. - 3/18/2009   1:19:49 PM

I don't really have a good stress reliever!!! I just try to walk away from whatever it is and try to calm down...I need to start with my running and have my own time!!! - 3/18/2009   9:37:55 AM

Good stress relievers are deep breathing and exercise. I clean house to relieve stress. - 3/18/2009   7:44:05 AM

godsangel when i get stressed out i set down and put it in gods hands becasue he said to, and with my 5 grandkids you do get stressed. - 3/17/2009   9:06:20 PM

I know when I'm in a stressful situation....because my bp rises so I have that dizzy feeling and my heart starts racing. Getting on the track to walk ALONE to think will help, getting a shower, taking a tranquilizer and hitting the bed.....things will look clearer in the morning
- 3/17/2009   8:29:58 PM

I used to suppress my feelings and cover them with food. Lately I've turned to walking or running when I'm stressed. It's much more productive than eating, and not only do I get the good feelings from the exercise endorphins, I also have the satisfaction of knowing I've done something good for me rather than bad for me. Another thing I've started discovering is gentle yoga - it's very calming, and all the breathing and stretching leaves me feeling calm and relaxed at the end. - 3/17/2009   3:20:12 PM

Hello, I'm new to SP and these are very suggestions on how to deal with stress. I Pray and read GOD's word daily because no one or nothing can quiet my troubled soul like JESUS can! HE is the lifter of my head and the healer of my heart. I've been very slow about changing the way I eat and reluctant about using this website but I'm beginning to realize that I need help from others like me because I know GOD does not want us to do this life alone. I can use all the encouragement you guys will give me. Thanks a bunch! - 3/17/2009   2:55:53 PM

"Have a plan" What a concept, one I would've never thought of....I'm going to devise my own plan to de-stress . Thanks - 3/17/2009   1:38:27 PM

Long ago I coped with stress by complaining and not taking action. Then I transitioned into complaining and taking too much action. Eventually I moved to not complainin much at all and over eating. Now I talk to the individuals involved whenever I feel that they will work productively with me and I work hard to give myself credit for my constuctive efforts. It really helps me let go of a lot of the stress. - 3/17/2009   12:52:55 PM

Positive thinking and looking for the right motion for the situation. Stop, breath and regroup before taking action. a few of my methods. and of course the happy music. - 3/17/2009   12:02:28 PM

I agree. The tough times are coming, it's just a matter of that's the way life goes and statistics. I'm so grateful for my friends - here on SP and in my neighborhood. Music, running, yoga, my dog - these are my stress relieving activities.
Great writing Nancy! - 3/17/2009   10:02:07 AM

When I'm badly stressed, I step back from the situation, sit down, relax, close my eyes and think of all the good things in my life while I do some deep breathng for a few minutes. This allows me time to get the situation into perspective and suddenly it's not such a big deal anymore. - 3/17/2009   5:07:27 AM

I am having a hard time with stress. Work is announcing lay-offs and my boss and I don't have the best relationship. I am newly off my anti-depressants as well as beginning work on my abusive/neglectful parents. And how did I deal with that as a child? Eating. Fast forward, recently divorced from an addict. Been rebuilding pockets of my life, now the wholistic approach make little sustainable gains in all areas: finances, health, wellness, being in a positive living + working environment, happiness. After three years of learning coping skills, getting and practicing them for extended periods I now have the training wheels off. I feel like I am in limbo. I know good ways to react and sometime that works and a tad more often the old habits pop up. (I had to go off the meds to take a medical exam, otherwise after 2 weeks of this, I think I would went back on).

So, I am just going to try and focus on the positive things, the little things, the big things, the big little things. Exercising does help and by this time next week I should have my rowing machine!! Glad I can come here! Needed to spin the wheel and look at all the great folks and wisdom I found. - 3/17/2009   12:10:35 AM

When I'm stressed, I tend to hold it all in until I'm about to blow...(not good). Lately, I've been playing the piano and reading the Bible. It amazes me when reading scriptures, that God can speak to you and give you just what you need. I try to give all my problems to him...afterall, he wants us to give him our burdens and leave them...don't pick them back up. Try God, he won't fail you.... - 3/16/2009   8:42:39 PM

Sometimes I have a hard time dealing with stress depending on what it is. Most of the times I take a long deep breathe and count to ten. I remind myself that everything is going to be okay. There are times that a long hot bubble bath are the most relaxing way to releave any type of stress. - 3/16/2009   8:29:36 PM

I have a great deal of a problem dealing with stress. I am definitely a stress eater, and once in a while can control my impulses to eat when feeling stressed, other times I just blow my stack and usually end up feeling bad about it a short while later. Thanks for the great tips to deal with stress! - 3/16/2009   5:45:12 PM

Fortunatly I have good coping mechanisims, and I've never been a stressed type person, guess I am a type B personality. I listen to music, watch comedies, and I have a strong helpful support system with my family and close friends, and of course my SP family. If I feel stressed I usually turn up the music and exercise harder, or longer or find some form of diversion. I scrapbook, read and those things all combined keep me sane. - 3/16/2009   4:19:19 PM

Just like many people here, I use support of family and friends, and laughter (i.e. watching something funny on TV) as good stress-busters! :o) - 3/16/2009   2:52:45 PM

When I have a stressful day, the best thing I can do is know that tomorrow I can start over again. - 3/16/2009   1:39:48 PM

It is great to see these key points listed. I know them, and understand how important they are to incorporate into my life. But with making overall significant lifechanges it is just one more list to keep in my mind. So, get it out of my mind and in front of my face !! I've printed copies of this to post in strategic areas where I'll look when stressed. I look forward to seeing this list and getting through the moment, as well as begin incorporating into the routine of my life. Thanks !! - 3/16/2009   1:02:16 PM

When I get home from work and have had a stressfull day, I go to my room and just relax for 15-20 minutes alone. My son knows this is "mom's time" and not to interrupt me with questions like "what's for dinner" or "can you run me here". Then I'm able to continue with making dinner, doing dishes and other household chores that need to be done. I also turn up my favorite music and sing like I'm a rockstar. I can't really carry a tune, but it makes me feel good! :-) - 3/16/2009   12:46:00 PM

Thank you for the reminder to breathe! - 3/16/2009   12:39:45 PM

Thank you for these reminder. Stress is the biggest obstacle to my weight loss in bith over eating and not wanting to exercise. I need to remember these item adnd implement them to make me an overall healthier person. - 3/16/2009   11:01:56 AM

excellent blog with some very insightful, helpful comments by sparkers! there is good stress and bad stress. when good stress hits me (good family or friend times, promotion at work, hitting lotto [no, i've never hit the jackpot, but a couple of hundred dollars over the past few years is better than a poke in the eye with a knitting needle], getting great feedback about something i did or said, etc.), i smile from ear to ear, relish it, enjoy it, soak it up like desert sand does with drizzle, and let it flow in and through me like healing winds. i regret, however, that bad stress is more of my frequent friend; however, i'm getting better at dealing with it. i favor negativity less, tend to focus on the positive as much as possible (read my sparkpage = personal, daily struggle), think more clearly about what i can and cannot control (i cannot control my genes, but i can control my jeans), and do my best to move forward by making mindful, healthy, positive choices for myself every day. I AM WORTH IT! it is an effort, it does take some brain-power and cognitive realignment, but i'm doing it more and more often. soon, i hope that the positive feelings of goodness, accomplishment, and forward progress will be rewards enough in themselves. stress is just about everywhere these days. good coping skills can't be under-rated in this kind of world we're living in now. nancy - 3/16/2009   11:00:05 AM

Thank you so much for writing this article. I found myself lost last night & awoke looking for motivation to keep doing what I'm doing & to all in all keep living!! I read this article & just felt so enlightened & all my wonderings were answered! Thank you cuz this was definately a life saver! - 3/16/2009   9:02:11 AM

I learned to ride a motorcycle last year and bought a Harley. Surprisingly, it is a great way for me to unwind. It can be a bit tense when driving in traffic but because I have to focus completely on what I'm doing, I don't have time to think about how my day went. No radio, nobody talking at me, just me, my bike and the road.

It's odd because you would think that traffic, dealing with people who aren't paying attention and remembering all you have to do that's different with a bike would be stressful in and of itself, but for me at least, it isn't.

So perhaps learning something new and completely out of your normal comfort zone can be good therapy. - 3/16/2009   8:16:39 AM

Stress for me it is hard to get rid of, espeically when everyone is helping to keep it there. I usually find that walking and listening to my Christian music always helps and my faith in God gets me through everything. - 3/16/2009   7:58:19 AM

"I start my car and drive till I find peace." -Waking Ashland. One of my favorite lines. I like to plan weekend road trips every few months. It doesn't have to be far, but enough to get away from daily routine. I also had an idea from the article above: why not carry a small memo pad around and write down the small things that make you smile? At the end of the day you can remember them instead of the bad points. One for today: vitaminwater10 tastes just as good as regular, with far fewer calories! :) - 3/16/2009   7:26:54 AM

Stress is a battle for me, I knew I needed to control the stress and not let stress control me. A positive attitude helps and my mantra, "Let go and let God". God bless all who are in stressful situations. Take the emphasis off of yourself and do a good deed for someone in need. It helps. - 3/16/2009   7:06:04 AM

I've had a very stressful two years. Lost my sister in 07, my father in law in 08, quit a very, very stressful job in 08 (which meant loss of income) and just the normal stress of the economy has meant stress for me. I deal with my stress by listening to music, talking to a friend but mainly by praying (all the time) and heeding the Serenity Prayer.....changing what I can change, accepting what I can't and praying for the wisdom to know the difference.
When it comes to stressful situations that I can't control, such as my sisters crazy family life....I've adopted the mantra....this is not my problem; let it go! Seems to work... - 3/16/2009   6:51:31 AM

I workout or have a laugh by watching a comedy/seeing friends for a release - 3/16/2009   5:26:02 AM

Walking is a great way to beat the stress.
We ALL have things in our lifes we can not control. So knowing your not alone also helps. - 3/16/2009   2:46:54 AM

I have struggled over the years with stress. I have found myself many times in my life doing things and wondering why on earth I am doing them, why I'm reacting that way. I have discovered that my body just does not cope with stress and so now, I must actively work to keep my life stress free (or stress as low as possible). It is a difficult task - but in terms of general health & well-being, weight, emotions etc, it seems to be the most rewarding task!

Thank you for this article and I hope to see many more on the same topic. - 3/16/2009   12:50:29 AM