No matter who you are or where you are from, it seems to me anyway, everyone has to experience negativity in this world. I find it interesting so let us dissect it a moment, shall we?
People already seem to have a hard time understanding each other. Ten people can see the same movie, read the same story, or hear the same song, and perceive completely different things.
Next, stress comes in a multitude of forms. Think of the stress of not having any money compared to the stress of having too much money (winning the lottery, say). Compare the stress of getting into a good college, or the stress of dating with the stress of your cat running away from home, or the stress of finding you have diabetes or losing your eye to a tragic rubber band incident.
It seems like we are all hurtling through space unable to escape what appears to be certain negativity. Because the negativity comes in so many forms, we feel isolated by our personal negativity and unable to help others with theirs, which only causes more stress. The internet and other technology has made it easier for others with similar types of stress to find each other, and they form groups and I'm told that this is a very useful way to cope. If stress is everywhere in this world, and we are indeed finding ways to reduce it, much like finding a cure to a disease, can we say this is progress in society that we don't even realize we are making? Is the technology breeding more stress with every bit it takes away. Is there a fixed quantity of stress on Earth like energy that can neither be created or destroyed but only change forms? Whoa.
I have been under different forms of stress lately, and I assume I am dealing with it well. I do wonder sometimes how much stress I am under, on a stress scale. I always assume others have more stress than I do: kids, car problems, relationship problems, I don't know, I guess I feel like I have little I should complain about. But scratch the surface, I'm dealing with a major family loss, a major career change, dealing with mounting debt from college, all the while my wife is going through the same types of life changes too.
I bring this up because drinking is typically a universal constant for dealing with stress, at least stereotypically. I think I blogged before about trying to find a different outlet - hopefully a healthy one, to let go of stress. Sadly, exercise has not yet entered into the running. I guess I have been keeping so busy at work and I do like my job, that working late actually feels rewarding, so, much like when I was a teenager, work is the cause of and solution to some of my stresses.
Anybody out there care to let me know a way of unwinding that doesn't involve drinking or exercise?
Listening to music always helps. Music that you really like through the medium that you prefer, like kick arse speakers, or some really nice headphones. I know a guy who just got some new headphones.
ReplyDeleteSauna and hot tub always help. Just the smell of the chlorine and the relaxing heat. You'd need a membership somewhere, but if you are looking to exercise, a membership would have both.
Playing basketball has always been a great stress relief for me for as long as I can remember. This could be finding a pick up game, or simply shooting alone in the driveway. As I have aged, I have discovered new outlets - reading, cleaning, or just simply finding some alone time.
ReplyDeleteI might be an exception, but for me, just spending time with my family works great. I can come home from the worst of days at work, and just seeing Tiff, Miali and the dogs will erase everything.
Good luck to you. When are we going to lunch again?
Watching a movie always helps too. I can even recommend one for you. Check this one out...
ReplyDeletehttp://vimeo.com/17120156
I was thinking about pricing out a jaquzzi. I've stayed at a house that had one and used it everyday. I know i would use it more than a gym membership. I'll combine money saved from not drinking and no gym membership and see where I break even on a hot tub:)
ReplyDeleteCrafting or cleaning and organizing the house work for me. I find that if you can take pride in managing or completing something, you feel more in control about other things.
ReplyDeleteAlso window shopping is excellent me time and very relaxing!
A jacuzzi is a good idea. Besides the obvious cost and labor of installation, one thing I found that you have to do extra is you have to have a separate circuit for the jacuzzi and another separate circuit for the inline heater (if you have one). Three circuits total going just to the bathroom. So you have to make sure you have the room in your panel for it and can run the wires. You may want to consult a Master Electrician, a PE, or preferably, an MBA.
ReplyDeletePinball. That helps me so much. Its just the idea of stopping somewhere, playing a couple games. Its my personal time.
ReplyDeleteExercise for sure. People who exercise feel depressed if they don't do anything for a week.
ReplyDelete