A few days ago, I received this PR pitch in my e-mail:
I thought to myself, "I don't need an expert to tell me how to release my stress. I have up-close-and-personal experience with that all by myself." So today, I'm going to tell you how to release stress in less than 5 minutes without buying someone's book.
Eat something. Today is National Donut Day, but a donut -- or 3 -- can make stress disappear right quick. Another good choice is a chocolate frosted brownie. Ice cream is always helpful, too. You can try to harness the stress-relieving power of carrots if you'd like, but I can't promise results.
Throw a hissy fit. Stomp your feet. Bang your hands. Scream. Cry. Blurt out whatever words make you feel better. If "Oh pickles!" is the phrase that pays in your stress relief, holler it with gusto.
Color. Grab some crayons and paper and color. I don't know if it's the rhythm of moving the crayon back and forth across the paper or if it's the satisfaction of smashing wax against something, but I find coloring helps when I am stressed.
Swing. Quick! Find the nearest playground and hop on a swing. Pump your legs, breathe in the air as you lean back, exhale as you swing forward. Works every time. Unless it's raining. Then it might just add to your stress. Also, if you have a violent streak and might be tempted to kick over some little kid running in front of your swing, head to the bakery instead. (See above: Eat something.)
Pray: My priest will be happy that I included this option in my list. Praying that God will come and annihilate whomever it is that is causing you stress probably won't be very fruitful. But praying for peace, calm, understanding, or strength is a good idea.
Fart. Let's be honest. Sometimes stress gets you
right in the gut. Let a big, stinky one rip and chances are you'll feel
much better.
What are your favorite ways to relieve stress?