SANDI SHILHANEK | Relaxation Techniques...What Works Other Than Reading?
Sandi Shilhanek April 18, 2010
Last week I asked the question when is enough enough? It took me from the days
before I asked that
question until this past Thursday to finish the print book I was reading when I
asked that question. I
decided to keep reading it, because I was still dealing with some personal
things, and what would
happen if those issues interfered with enjoyment of a book by a favorite author? My friends kept asking why are you still reading that book if you don’t like it,
and I kept thinking well, I
have to see if it gets better, or if it isn’t better how much worse can it be?
Well, unfortunately I found
out that it didn’t get better…but I guess that’s life. Perhaps with the stresses of the last week I would have been better off if I had
given up reading and
found another way to relax. I did play more than my fair share of online games,
and even escaped life
with a couple of naps. Yes, we should discuss what books help us to relax, but let’s be realistic and
admit that sometimes a
book isn’t quite helping. What other things do you do to relax you when life
has you feeling a bit
overwhelmed. Oh…and this week I’ve started a book that I’m really enjoying! Until next week happy page turning.
Sandi Shilhanek
DFW Tea
Readers Readers 'n
'ritas... celebrating literary obsessions
Comments
40 comments posted.
Re: SANDI SHILHANEK | Relaxation Techniques...What Works Other Than Reading?
For me, sometimes it's a dark room and my iPod set for my songlist of nature sounds - mostly rainstorm and thunder and lightning tracks. Even better is in the summertime when I can go outside on a windy day at my friend's house (she has a shaded hammock) and I can swing in the hammock with a sleep mask and my iPod and feel the wind on my face as I rock... HEAVEN! (Donna Holmberg 4:22am April 18, 2010)
I love crafting almost as much as I love reading, so the two activities can each be a break from the other(hope that makes sense). I also like to bake goodies(did that just yesterday). And I also play video games(on the Playstation, Nintendo Gameboy and Mahjongg on the computer). All can be relaxing in their own way. (Carol Cobun 4:50am April 18, 2010)
For me the best way to relax is sitting with my family having a chat or discussion which usually ends with us laughing about something. Laughter is the best way to relax in our family. (Barbara Hanson 7:07am April 18, 2010)
Other than reading, knitting has always been therapeutic for me. And if that doesn't work, it's time for a nap! (Margay Roberge 7:31am April 18, 2010)
A good movie can do that if I can't find a good book, or just sitting in the sun and soaking in the Vitamin D. (Joanne Reynolds 7:52am April 18, 2010)
Taking a walk, and then just sitting and enjoying nature. (Jeanine Lesperance 9:46am April 18, 2010)
Gardening will relax me. There's nothing as relaxing as being with nature your hands in the dirt, or even just pulling weeds. Just watching the flowers grow. (Elizabeth Parzino 11:16am April 18, 2010)
Music helps me.. I put on my fav tunes and let the music take me away.. Also a walk helps to get the tensions out.. You use up all those unwanted endorphens that are milling around.. An djust hearing the laughter of little children does it for me.. There happy voices just seems to get inside of you and make you feel better.. (Kathleen O'Donnell 11:51am April 18, 2010)
Yoga helps me whenever I'm stressed. Watching a good comedy will also do it. (Leni Kaye 12:05pm April 18, 2010)
Cross Stitching or painting helps me relax. Or just getting a drawing done. I LOVE it as much as reading and try to divide my weekend free time between these main hobbies. (Valerie Bongards 12:18pm April 18, 2010)
Reading a good book or taking a long walk in the country works for me! Although I don't live in the country but love it! (Gail Hurt 12:36pm April 18, 2010)
If I need to relax and reading isn't helping then I try a hot shower or bath, playing with my kids or just try to get some quiet time, close my eyes and meditate by thinking of something good. I hope this helps (Brandy Blake 12:38pm April 18, 2010)
I run a tub of hot water with bubbles, book, & a cold beer. This is great (Pat Wilson 12:50pm April 18, 2010)
Other reading, watching a light hearted movie or go to dinner with a friend or my family is a great way for me to relax. (Rose Guardino 1:11pm April 18, 2010)
Working in my flower beds and yard are the way I relax. Of course I am exhausted after that but it does relieve the stress. LOL (Brenda Hill 1:46pm April 18, 2010)
Solitaire - lots of it! (Karin Tillotson 1:48pm April 18, 2010)
Music is a great relaxer for me... :) (Colleen Conklin 2:02pm April 18, 2010)
For me going outside and working with my flowers helps me to relax. Soon I am humming my favorite tunes and am at peace! (Rosemary Krejsa 2:39pm April 18, 2010)
When reading a book isn't doing it for me I turn to any one of my other favorite activities like cooking, gardening, making jewelry, watching a movie or listening to music. Sometimes listening to music while doing a mundane activity is helpful because I can let my mind float free and still get something needed done...like folding or ironing laundry, dusting, etc. At other times, I need to completely relax and massage is wonderful...or my husband brushes out my hair (feels like a gentle scalp massage). (G. Bisbjerg 2:45pm April 18, 2010)
I like to take a walk and sometimes having a favorite snack like cookies or ice cream also helps to brighten my mood. (Jane Cheung 3:53pm April 18, 2010)
I like to put on some good music and clean house. When my house is clean and my laundry all folded and put away, I can take a deep breathe, grab my book and read without feeling guilty. (Mitzi Hinkey 4:06pm April 18, 2010)
If I am depressed and I think a cry would help, but cannot--then a good sad movie (or extreme homemakeover ) will do it. For just quiet, sitting on my back porch and watching the outside is very relaxing. (Barbara Studer 4:34pm April 18, 2010)
Listening to NPR relaxes me because other people are arguing and I can choose to agree or be mixed. Chamomile tea also does a good job. (Alyson Widen 4:38pm April 18, 2010)
Sometimes I will change books, as my mood affects my reading. Also watch a good TV show or movie helps. (Joyce Mandle 5:05pm April 18, 2010)
A nice long, relaxing bath works wonders. (Marlene Breakfield 5:38pm April 18, 2010)
I go out for a walk. Nothing de-stresses me better. (Mary Preston 5:58pm April 18, 2010)
I have twenty minutes of accupucture once a week and when I'm done, I feel as though I'm floating out the door. (Karen Blossom 6:10pm April 18, 2010)
Other than reading??? Love my manicure appointment once a week. Long hot showers. Naps. (Summer Sharp 6:40pm April 18, 2010)
I've started walking with an audio book in my cd player, that's one way; I love long showers and that helps too. (Diane Sadler 7:55pm April 18, 2010)
Other than reading, being on facebook playing games and listening to 50's-70s music. A long leisurely bath or a nice walk is also very relaxing. (Cathy Phillips 8:00pm April 18, 2010)
How do I relax? I get my bucket of gardening tools and start digging in the earth. I dearly love working in my yard and it doesn't take long until I am completely engrossed and have forgotten all about what had me uptight in the first place. (Gladys Paradowski 8:15pm April 18, 2010)
I usually read to relax. If the book isn't working, maybe a different book is what you need. I'll listen to music and do needlework sometimes. A good hike always helps me unwind and deal when things get bad. If all else fails, there are always weeds in the garden. It's amazing how long you can spend out there digging. (Patricia Barraclough 8:39pm April 18, 2010)
The best relaxation is a professional massage - for as long as you can afford. It is heaven. (Vikki Parman 9:22pm April 18, 2010)
I love yoga. Right now I'm taking yoga once a week, and wish I had time for more. I can have the worst week and take yoga and I feel so much better! (Molly Wilsbacher 10:00pm April 18, 2010)
Believe it or not one of the most relaxing things I have found is to get out and mow on our riding lawn mower. No phones, no one to talk to, just ride around and around in a circle. Clears my mind and offers a nicely cut lawn. (Lisa Richards 10:58pm April 18, 2010)
If I can not read I love to sit outside with the radio on sunny days. On rainy or winter days crafting, baking or watching a good movie works wonders at reducing stress. (Cindy Olp 11:23pm April 18, 2010)
I listen to music, watch re-runs of Simpsons or Family Guy or a really good action flick. (Anna Hoque 11:42pm April 18, 2010)
Reading an enjoyable book is about as relaxed as I seem able to get these days, and even so I feel all tensed up with aches and pains in my whole body. If anybody has a great relaxation technique, I'd be very greatful to hear about it. Sometimes I think I haven't been able to really relax in more than 20 years. Even going for a walk seems to be an exercise in futility. I have to use either a walker or a cane to get around anywhere and usually I keep a death-grip on whatever I'm using. Neither massage nor chiropractic has helped. My present circumstances, lasting at least 3 years, also keep me constantly on edge with no respite. (Sigrun Schulz 1:27am April 19, 2010)
I like to bake. Baking bread lets you work out your frustrations while kneading and the carbs in the end results always provides great comfort. (Sue Ahn 2:21am April 20, 2010)
Let's see -- other ways to relax other than reading -- I do pay alot of Majhong on the 'puter at night -- it helps make my eyes tired and then I can sleep--- doodling is fun, there is usually always some kind of paper and writing material around my house within reach. (Kelly Holt 7:27pm April 22, 2010)
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