Reducing Stress

URMySunshine77

I'm a bit OCD and tend to fixate on my frustrations and anxieties, especially when waiting to O. What are some ways that you distract yourselves and minimize stress? I do not want to cause extra fertility problems by stressing out before O. One method I am just getting into is acupuncture.

Thank you for your thoughts!

meredithcarole

Yoga? I love yoga.

KateLouise

I like to clean my house. The activity keeps me busy, and I love walking into a tidy house. Clutter and mess irritates me and makes me feel antzy.

Being active and getting out in the fresh air, is also great. Whether kicking a ball about with the kids, going for a walk or doing some gardening.

Also my church has adoration once a month. Basically the church is open to pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament. I try and get along for 1 - 2 hours. Obviously not everyone is religious, but the opportunity to sit by myself and have some time for deep thought and reflection is invaluable. So if church isn't your thing, maybe some other opportunity like meditation, or just time by yourself and a journal where you won't be disturbed.

KirstenAlecia

I clean my house too! Nothing makes me feel better than a nice clean house. 

lgsdesigner

Get a professional back massage. You can also do something creative.
Write poetry or paint or bake food. It keeps your mind busy. GL!

kelley72

I keep myself busy by reading, and daily chores but sometimes that makes my head get loud- meaning physcial release with walking the dogs, etc is great but if my analytical self talk won't shut down it's time for me to get into prayer/meditation.  I wish I turned to cleaning my house!  That is just not something I naturally do, usually if I am angry I will do a good job at cleaning but otherwise... not so much.

Coming here and releasing my anxiety, fears, etc is helpful too.

URMySunshine77

Austrogermokee

I give myself a Pajama Sunday around once a month. It's exactly what it sounds like - I spend my day in bed, in pajamas, drinking tea, watching movies on my iPad and reading decorating magazines. It's no-cost, but incredibly luxurious. I also figure if we do have a child, Pajama Day won't happen for another 18 years, so I better enjoy it while I can.

I also go for walks, try out new recipes, and drink wine.

Davie813

Exercise (running) seems to be helping me.  Acupuncture, too, but you're already doing that...

ETA since finding time to do anything relaxing is so hard with a LO, be sure to let DH know when it would be helpful for him to be in charge and give you a bit of time away.  (This is a reminder to me, too.)

URMySunshine77

(child mentioned)

Thanks for your ideas, everyone. I think part of the problem is taking care of a toddler in the house and having so much time for my mind to wander. I agree with getting out of the house with him so that we are both distracted.

@meredithcarole: I love yoga and need more in my life.

@KateLouise and @KirstenAlecia: my house desperately needs cleaned. What I think I'll do is set aside at least a half a hour to clean each day. If I listen to my iPhone music, then maybe I won't think so much. @KateLouise: I also love your idea of setting aside personal meditation.

@lgsdesigner: Baking or doing art are great ideas. I don't make enough time for these passions.

@kelley72: Walking doesn't help me, either. My mind is too noisy! 

@Austrogermokee: Pajama days sound lovely. 

@Davie813: I don't know if I mentioned this, but I found a local spinning gym a couple blocks away, and the owner offers childcare for some classes. I was elated. Now I've been going to one or two spin classes a week, and I've had more energy than ever. DS loves the new toys in the child care room, so it's win-win. I definitely need to exercise more and give DS to DH for an hour on the weekends.

MoreTacosPlease

@Austrogermokee I love the idea of Pajama Day. I may need to schedule one for myself!

I love to read and watch piles of Netflix, but then again when I can't quiet my mind, I have to get out of the house and talk to other people- about anything but me! I have a regular weekly date with my best friend to catch up, which is a great distraction.

Austrogermokee

I make a point of tuning everything out - no FB, no calls, no DH (he usually goes for a walk), just me and my bed. It is wonderful.

kindershlitz

Child mentioned

Are you a SAHM? I agree, you have lots of time to think to yourself and it's stressful.  I also have a toddler and we go for walks.  We walk to the park and I play like a kid. It gives me a little exercise and it helps relieve stress.  Slides are fun  

There are lots of good ideas posted here, I'm going to use some!

URMySunshine77

kindershlitz said:

Child mentioned

Are you a SAHM? I agree, you have lots of time to think to yourself and it's stressful.  I also have a toddler and we go for walks.  We walk to the park and I play like a kid. It gives me a little exercise and it helps relieve stress.  Slides are fun  

There are lots of good ideas posted here, I'm going to use some!

(child mentioned)

@kindershlitz:

I am a SAHM and WAHM. When we are hanging out in the play room at home, it provides too much time to think. I agree with going to the playground on those difficult days. DS is just learning to walk, so it will be exciting to go to the playground when he can start toddling around. Thank you. :-)

Davie813

@Davie813: I don't know if I mentioned this, but I found a local spinning gym a couple blocks away, and the owner offers childcare for some classes. I was elated. Now I've been going to one or two spin classes a week, and I've had more energy than ever. DS loves the new toys in the child care room, so it's win-win. I definitely need to exercise more and give DS to DH for an hour on the weekends.

I would LOVE to find a gym with daycare! I'd still have to go after work, though, and i think picking DD up from one daycare just to drop her off at another might be kind of mean. I'm toying with the idea of going a couple of nights a week after DH gets home, even though that's not until ~7:30. On the one hand, that makes for a late night. On the other, I miss strength training. Hmmmm.