what calms you

Stress? Don't know the meaning of the word...why get uptight about things that you know you can't do anything about.

It's good you are like that Oldgajin, but not everyone is so fortunate. I don't think anyone chooses to be stressed.

soon be setting off for magnificent caves, and a Thibetan bowl concert - that will surely do it. Oh and keeping off GN for a while ;)

"Most of the worry I have comes from close family and their ability to cope financially" I could have written that myself, certainly about one of my kids, fortunately the other is very sensible. Nevertheless, "the profligate", although he wouldn't agree with that description of himself does stress me, if we were countries he'd be Greece to my Germany, too many bail outs Like others, my stress relievers, listening to music, reading, walking in a favourite place surrounded by trees, how important the latter has become as I've got older, far more theraputic than so called retail therapy, not therapy at all, natural beauty trumps shopping everytime for me now. Talking to my husband who has always been my linchpin and has a sane and rational approach to most of life's dilemmas. Maybe it's good to come on to GN to share our stresses sometimes as well.

Sitting doing a jigsaw whilst listening to the radio. Very calming until husband pops up and puts the last few pieces in!

My instant reaction was to offer Diazepam as my tongue in cheek answer but the true answer is water. I love lochs, burns, oceans, rivers, waterfalls, my tiny wildlife pond, my bath....all give me joy and wipe out stress.

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Best thing by far. Walking with Mya. Rescue dog who's been with us for 7 months now

Just back from our wood walk checking on the streams after all the rain.

A lovely swim

Most of my stress is caused by my in laws , I find having no contact for a few days lowers my blood pressure .

But jura - if you stay off GN how will you keep up to date with Brexit?

No human is immune to stress. It is in out DNA, freeze, fight or flight.

Stroking my cat, and hearing her purr is wonderfully calming and stress relieving for me!

Well bully for you oldgaijin. Why go out of your way to demonstrate your lack of empathy? This is a lovely thread for those of us who experience stress with plenty of ideas and tools for self-calming and how to find a bit of peace. I have very severe anxiety (not a choice!) but do just about manage by walking, reading, listening to and music and playing an instrument. I have a busy job, pets and some dear friends but for whatever reason can find life terrifying. I’m trying to become more aware and build some meditation into my day. Being out in nature with the dog is an instant de-stresser!

Good for you Maggie. I thought this thread was to share ideas not boast about how impervious some people are to stress.

Then again, they are probably impervious full stop.

I am lucky to not suffer too much from stress, but when things are going wrong (usually involves DH), I either walk my two labradors and totally de -stress, and I mean, totally and utterly.
Or, I do housework. Furiously. My house shines like a new pin, but I find I build my stress by doing that, getting angrier and angrier.
So I walk ?

For a quick wind down- chocolate.
For deeper relaxation- a swim, especially in my favourite holiday lake, surrounded by beautiful scenery, or a bubbly massage in a hot tub.
To get off to sleep- lavender spray on my pillow.

Usually I’m stressed for a reason so I try and sort it.
At the moment it seems as though I am one of 3 who have just discovered that we are responsible for more than we were aware.
First thought is OMG, then comes the list, then the meeting, then a plan. Then no stress hopefully.
Sometimes I’m stressed and not sure how to deal with it so , if I have time, I ignore the problem for a day or two. It usually goes away or a solution presents itself.
Occasionally I have to do something that is going to be physically unpleasant. This week I had to have a biopsy on my nose and I knew the injection would be horrible. I used a technique that I learnt a few years ago to relax. It was not pleasant but I managed to keep still and relaxed.

Thank you grapefruitpip ?

Reading, listening to music - Chopin's Nocturnes do it for me, Sleep. I have some weird dreams and wonder if that's how I work through any causes of stress. Not that I have many of those nowadays.

Relaxation/hypnotherapy tapes, all kinds of lavender, reading, watching some tv programmes. In the summer I have a rocking lie back garden chair which is bliss until a dog starts barking or a petrol mower start thrumming. Check up looming but mentally push the stress away for now.

I find meditation helps,there's plenty on You Tube

Working outside in my wild garden, the smell of earth and vegetation, looking at the horizon.

A bit of time to myself, just to think things through. With some of my favourite music.

SirC ''But jura - if you stay off GN how will you keep up to date with Brexit? '' I said for a while- and a while is like the proverbial piece of string, no?

The caves were amazing, and the thibetan bowls and Chinese Crystal bowls were just so so soothing in that setting. Went for a nice meal in France on way home. Perfect.

I do love an anxiety talk-down - lots free on you tube to listen to. Also re-Reading well loved comfort books and watching things like Frasier.