Low Cost Stress Relievers

[Figment's Girl]

I'm 30 year old woman whose husband was laid off twice last year. I work full time but found myself constantly freaked out that I was going to loose my job (I work for state government) due to budget cuts while trying to stay positive for my family and keeping up with my two DS. Eventually I had to be put on Anti-anxiety/anti-depression medicine due to stress.

Things are better now, Hubby is full time employed again, but still find myself stressed, sleeping like crap, etc. and don't want to be on medicine forever.

I'm not stupid, the stress in some form will always be there(Hubby's new job is in law enforcement), so I'm trying to find low cost things or ideas I can do at home to relieve stress. Anyone have ideas or tips?

 

[StephMK]

I'm sorry you're under so much stress, I know that is not a fun feeling. The things I usually go to for stress are not the healthiest, shopping, chocolate, etc. Maybe someone else will have some creative suggestions for you.

Have you tried any form of exercise - yoga, pilates, walking? I know that is usually suggested and may help you sleep better. Even just a walk around the neighborhood might help relax you just a little. Hope things look up for you.

 

[pearlieq]

Walking is great. Or at least it works for me.

Relaxation exercises (guided imagery, deep breathing, etc.) are helpful. If you have an iPod you can download them off of iTunes. Otherwise, CDs can be had pretty inexpensively and you can use them over and over.

Some foods can help relieve stress. Reasonable portions of healthy carbs like fruit or baked potatoes can help you feel calmer. Here's an article on that: http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200810/eating-stress

Touch is also very calming. Hug your DH and kids. Snuggle together on the couch. Trade massages. Be "happily married" as much as possible.

Do what you can to solve your problems. Bills stressing you out? Do what you can to pay them off. Relationship problems with someone? Maybe it's time to reduce contact.

Think through your worst-case scenarios and come up with a plan for how you'd handle them. Sometimes actually confronting the fears head-on and planning how to deal with them make people feel more relaxed and in control. Be careful, though, that this doesn't turn into dwelling on negative thoughts.

 

[jennyopenny]

First, I am sorry you've had a bad time. (((BIGHUGS))) I hope things get better, and stay that way.

So what about...taking up yoga, or pilates at home. Get an inexpensive dvd.
If you like to read. Get a library card. (of course HAPPY books only) Take your selections, your favorite beverage, and just relax. Places here give manicures for $10. Treat yourself! Also, a clean, organized home that smells of lavender is relaxing to me. Oh, and don't forget bubble baths!

Take care!

 

[sandgrace]

If you have cable tv watch Fit TV, I've discovered the Namaste Yoga show on there and it's so helpful in relieving my stress. If you already have cable then it's free! I have taped several of the shows on my DVR and do them whenever I can throughout the day to relieve my stress.

A bonus is that you become flexible and in better shape! Good luck in whatever you do!

 

[SunnieRN]

Bubble bath, surrounded by lit candles, with a good book and the door locked!! (Or if you are like my good friend, a bubble bath, with a glass of wine and your cell phone.)

 

[Justsyd2]

Swimming relieves stress for me. Does your local gym have a pool? I also love to read a magazine -- it gives me an hour or two mini-vacation. Rent some good movies - or borrow from the library. A bubble bath is always good, too!

 

[happygirl]

What about a nice long bubble bath. When no one is home just you

 

[dfchelbay]

I'm 30 year old woman whose husband was laid off twice last year. I work full time but found myself constantly freaked out that I was going to loose my job (I work for state government) due to budget cuts while trying to stay positive for my family and keeping up with my two DS. Eventually I had to be put on Anti-anxiety/anti-depression medicine due to stress.

Things are better now, Hubby is full time employed again, but still find myself stressed, sleeping like crap, etc. and don't want to be on medicine forever.

I'm not stupid, the stress in some form will always be there(Hubby's new job is in law enforcement), so I'm trying to find low cost things or ideas I can do at home to relieve stress. Anyone have ideas or tips?

Look in your area for massage therapy schools. You can get yourself massages for a fraction of the cost of going to get them from a professional massage therapist.

 

[brenalexacamp]

You are probably not looking to spend money but if you decide to spend on a little something for the house- make it it your bedroom. new sheets, a picture, a candle, something you'll see a lot of- and comfort you in the bedroom where you are supposed to be relaxed. So many times we spruce up what other people see(living room, kitchen).

 

[dhdozier]

I'm 30 year old woman whose husband was laid off twice last year. I work full time but found myself constantly freaked out that I was going to loose my job (I work for state government) due to budget cuts while trying to stay positive for my family and keeping up with my two DS. Eventually I had to be put on Anti-anxiety/anti-depression medicine due to stress.

Things are better now, Hubby is full time employed again, but still find myself stressed, sleeping like crap, etc. and don't want to be on medicine forever.

I'm not stupid, the stress in some form will always be there(Hubby's new job is in law enforcement), so I'm trying to find low cost things or ideas I can do at home to relieve stress. Anyone have ideas or tips?

Do you have a hobby or interest that could involve meeting as a group? I love to get together with other women - the chit-chat really allows me to feel connected to others and feeling of lifted up when I have a problem. Any kind of group - women's charity organizations, church group, or even school PTO - would be a good place to meet folks that could be a great support to you. Best of luck

 

[Figment's Girl]

Do you have a hobby or interest that could involve meeting as a group? I love to get together with other women - the chit-chat really allows me to feel connected to others and feeling of lifted up when I have a problem. Any kind of group - women's charity organizations, church group, or even school PTO - would be a good place to meet folks that could be a great support to you. Best of luck

I'm into cake decorating which has compounded some of my stress becuse I have people who want to order my cakes all of the time. And I don't feel like I can say no because I'm trying to save up some extra spending money for vacation.

I was meeting with a group of women who also decorate but when the first of the year hit, a lot of us lost contact. I'll try to email them and see who might want to meet up.

 

[Planogirl]

Have fun!!! Watch funny movies or play games with friends or just get out and window shop or walk in a park. Play with pets if you have them. Take up a home improvement project that you actually might enjoy and that isnt hard like painting or gardening. Work puzzles or play computer games. The bubble bath idea is a great one too.

 

[Figment's Girl]

I'm sorry you're under so much stress, I know that is not a fun feeling. The things I usually go to for stress are not the healthiest, shopping, chocolate, etc. Maybe someone else will have some creative suggestions for you.

Have you tried any form of exercise - yoga, pilates, walking? I know that is usually suggested and may help you sleep better. Even just a walk around the neighborhood might help relax you just a little. Hope things look up for you.

Walking is great. Or at least it works for me.

Relaxation exercises (guided imagery, deep breathing, etc.) are helpful. If you have an iPod you can download them off of iTunes. Otherwise, CDs can be had pretty inexpensively and you can use them over and over.

Some foods can help relieve stress. Reasonable portions of healthy carbs like fruit or baked potatoes can help you feel calmer. Here's an article on that: http://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200810/eating-stress

Touch is also very calming. Hug your DH and kids. Snuggle together on the couch. Trade massages. Be "happily married" as much as possible.

Do what you can to solve your problems. Bills stressing you out? Do what you can to pay them off. Relationship problems with someone? Maybe it's time to reduce contact.

Think through your worst-case scenarios and come up with a plan for how you'd handle them. Sometimes actually confronting the fears head-on and planning how to deal with them make people feel more relaxed and in control. Be careful, though, that this doesn't turn into dwelling on negative thoughts.

First, I am sorry you've had a bad time. (((BIGHUGS))) I hope things get better, and stay that way.

So what about...taking up yoga, or pilates at home. Get an inexpensive dvd.
If you like to read. Get a library card. (of course HAPPY books only) Take your selections, your favorite beverage, and just relax. Places here give manicures for $10. Treat yourself! Also, a clean, organized home that smells of lavender is relaxing to me. Oh, and don't forget bubble baths!

Take care!

If you have cable tv watch Fit TV, I've discovered the Namaste Yoga show on there and it's so helpful in relieving my stress. If you already have cable then it's free! I have taped several of the shows on my DVR and do them whenever I can throughout the day to relieve my stress.

A bonus is that you become flexible and in better shape! Good luck in whatever you do!

What about a nice long bubble bath. When no one is home just you

Thank you guys for all of your suggestions. I'm going to try all of them, but the first thing I think I'm going to do is share the wealth on stuff. I totally Micro manage the house despite the DH & DSs asking to help. Then I'll work on your guys' list.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

Knitting is a great stress-reliever for me. It's not that hard. I taught myself out of a book several years ago. I love shopping for yarn and looking at patterns. I also like to design my own scarves, afghans and sweaters (a sleeve from this one, the neckline from that one). I find myself noticing other people's knitwear and keeping mental notes about designs I want to try. I keep my current project, instructions, etc. in a canvas bag so I can easily carry it around. I knit a little at a time when I can. I work part time so I do a little when I watch my daily DVR episode of General Hospital. I might do a little more in the evening while watching TV or just before bed. I like seeing my progress. I gives me a sense of accomplishment when I don't feel like I'm accomplishing anything else in my life!

 

[StephMK]

Thank you guys for all of your suggestions. I'm going to try all of them, but the first thing I think I'm going to do is share the wealth on stuff. I totally Micro manage the house despite the DH & DSs asking to help. Then I'll work on your guys' list.

I think you picked an excellent place to start. That was a huge stressor for me too for many years but we finally have a much better balance. It is totally not worth your sanity to feel overwhelmed w/house stuff, kwim? Learn to ignore some stuff and let them help you.

 

[Tinkerbelle9980]

I know somebody mentioned walking already but I wanted to add to it. If you are worried about thinking of things that stress you out while walking play a game with your self. Count the squirrels, people or cars you see. Or play the alphabet game along the way. Just something silly that keeps your mind on other things. I like to pick a color and count how many times I see that color during my walk.

If you have pets playing or cuddling with them can be a stress reliever. I have three cats and each of them plays a different part. The oldest one loves to sit on your lap and be petted, as long as she is the center of attention. The middle one loves for you to sit by her and talk to her. She doesn't care what you say just that you talking to her. The little one loves to play. She can spend hours running up the stairs chasing a little nerf ball, or playing tag. Plus pets love you unconditionally which is a bonus.

If all else fails take a few minutes every couple hours to take a break.

 

[JCMHutch]

I agree about pets. I have 2 cats and they are wonderful. One is a playful lovebug & the other is a snuggler.

Exercise is always a great stress reliever. It helps relieve the tension in your body. I put an upbeat music mix and just listen to that while I walk or do the elliptical. Another thing I find relaxing is cooking. I will pull out a recipe, turn on my favorite music and that seems to help. I also quilt and find that very calming.

 

[Figment's Girl]

I agree about pets. I have 2 cats and they are wonderful. One is a playful lovebug & the other is a snuggler.

Exercise is always a great stress reliever. It helps relieve the tension in your body. I put an upbeat music mix and just listen to that while I walk or do the elliptical. Another thing I find relaxing is cooking. I will pull out a recipe, turn on my favorite music and that seems to help. I also quilt and find that very calming.

I do a lot of cooking, and in the last year I've really gotten into making things from scratch. It is relaxing until I have to deal with the dishes.

I'd love to learn how to quilt. I don't have a sewing machine though, is it necessary? Could you recommend some learning resources?

 

[Gina]

If you have cable tv watch Fit TV, I've discovered the Namaste Yoga show on there and it's so helpful in relieving my stress. If you already have cable then it's free! I have taped several of the shows on my DVR and do them whenever I can throughout the day to relieve my stress.

That is so funny that you should mention Namaste Yoga... that's one of my first go-to's when I'm stressed out. Not actually doing the yoga -- I think I would be in traction if I tried to achieve any of those positions -- but just watching them, and the soft music, and the narrator lady's smoooooth voice, it's all very relaxing to me. Love that program!