13) Alternative suggestions for .....

1 minute read time.

…… stress relief!


We’ve all read about it, all thought about it and now we’re going to deal with it.  Stress.  It’s perfectly natural to be stressed at various points in life and no doubt, in small doses, stress can be quite healthy. In bigger doses most of us would agree that it’s unhealthy. What I want to know is how to relieve stress when it builds up to volcanic levels, any ideas?

I can do the meditation stuff, focus on my breathing and all that but you do get some strange looks if you plonk yourself down in the middle of the freezer aisle in the supermarket after suffering the latest episode of inconsiderate trolley driving to focus on your breathing.

Driving I used to find quite a focussing and enjoyable stress reliever. Due to having numb toes and crunchy joints this has been pushed down the list. I need to concentrate like a learner on the pedals these days and cheerfully remind the children how much it would cost for a similar ride experience at a theme park!

Meaningful debates …. nope … off the list too. When you’re regularly beaten in an exchange of words by a quick witted seven year old you have to accept that the chemo fog hasn’t quite lifted yet.

A gentle stroll through the field with the dogs, that fell of the list ages ago … probably around the time of Labrador Jnr’s arrival. He just isn’t designed for stress relief no matter how much I squint and hop on one leg when trying to convince myself that he is that cute loo roll puppy.

I need some new ideas, preferably enjoyable stress relievers, if a giggle can be raised then that’s even better. So far my “To Try” list is limited so all suggestions are welcome, serious and amusing.

Top of the list at this point is a bit of Greek dancing ….. the sort accompanied by lots of plate smashing!

Bad Fairy x

Anonymous
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Bad Fairy,

    Well bad fairy,

    I agree some small stress can be quite healthy while on the larger scale quite damaging.  You already have some good stress relief suggestions which are now no longer useful at present, hopefully that is only for the short term.

    I'm not quite sure what you are into but I find plaitting hair in corn rows (little upside down french braids), handmade cards, cross stitch or jigsaws they all take concentration and help to keep the mind relaxed and focused off that built up stress.

    My mum used to do a lot of crochet and my nan knitted, but I find that too much of doing the same thing and I like variety, not sure if the have a cancer centre near you but I know that at our cancer centre you can go and have reiki (don't know how to spell it) and massages etc and it is for both patients and carers.

    You could always start a project with your child (sorry not sure if your 7 year old is boy or girl) and make a paper machet model, doesn't cost a lot only old newspapers, pva glue, water and paint for when it is dry, then a final coat of pva glue to seal it and hey presto, it's done.Its fun and it will definately keep you both busy,  only I must admit it is rather messy but really good fun.

    What about gardening that can be theraputic although I don't surpose in this weather.

    You could always take yourself back in time and read all your favourite stories from when you were little.  I'm sure you child would enjoy that too.

    Swimming is very theraputic and easy on your bones and muscles too,  although it is only useful if you can swim.  Saying that they do have swim-aerobics and another which they do for the older generation or for people with arthitus and non swimmers etc.  Don't you for one minute I'm thinking you personally are of the older generation lol..

    Horse riding is theraputic but very expensive these days and it hurts when you land on your bottom instead of your feet, I remember when a riding lesson cost just £2.75 for an hour, you would probably be lucky to see any change out of a £20 note these days.

    Hope there are a few more suggestions for you to think about, can't think of anythingelse right now but when I am relieved of all my stresses I will let you know what worked for me. lol

    Take care Reneesha x

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    oh yes

    You could always get into watercolours or pastels.

  • Hi Bad Fairy

    I found screaming into my pillow helped. lol

    Sue xxxxx

  • laughter, plain and simple try laughing instead of building up steam, its a great release, helped me alot during steriod periods and becoming a true Victor lol.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Thanks, Sue - I've tried Everything that Reneesha has suggested PLUS: Acrylic Painting, Yoga, Tai Chi,  Whirlpool, Massage, Walking and Hot Milk. I even tried to Cut & Paste a photo of my grand-daughter & me doing Paper Machet but I guess the site doesn't allow photos.

    I'm now going to try screaming into my pillow! Hadn't thought of that!

    Love, Mo

    ps - I do find that joking around helps!