Switching off after a stressful day

[GrasB]

Not work related stress but had a very stressful incident today. I need to switch off while trying to get some sleep but as soon as I stop reading/watching TV/listening to music the events are in the forefront of my mind. Anyone got some tips to switch off quickly?

 

[Kirstie]

Cycling is the best thing but it's too dark for that. It's really the only thing that works for me - or other forms of exercise. Have you got a good set of lights? Go for a spin around the block!

Have you tried reading? Getting lost in a novel or something?

 

[Dayvo]

Or go for a ride in the dark, without lights. That'll get you lost, and sharpen your senses at the same time.

Whatever's troubling you, hope it's only short-lived.

 

[ttcycle]

Sorry to hear this GrasB, depends on what the indicident was- if it was major actually sometimes it is completely normal for it to keep replaying- minds way of processing and dealing with it best not to try and block it off in that case

I'd second the cycling or something that you generally find relaxing- for me it's playing instruments/listening to music.

Hope you are ok though.

 

[GrasB]

Thanks for the suggestions but my problem isn't getting lost in something, that I can do easily enough it's that when I stop doing something I'm back mulling over the stressful incident again.

 

[Kirstie]

OK so you probably need to get it into perspective. I struggle with this too - have you got anyone to talk it over with? Care to share?

 

[ttcycle]

ok if it was something traumatic then you need to speak to someone to talk it through, process it.

 

[GrasB]

I've had a long conversation about it with my partner & also my sister briefly. I'd like to share but I don't feel I can put the problem on a public forum.

 

[ColinJ]

I usually have a few beers to relax me when I get really wound up.

It's okay if the stressful situation is a one-off, but not if it is something which will be on-going.

 

[slowmotion]

My useless two pennies.

Do not share it on a public forum right now. It will make it loom larger.

Have a big bacon sandwich, and a glass of cold milk. Substitute a can/pack of beer if you wish, but stick with the bacon.

Have a very deep, very hot bath, in the dark, and wash your hair. Stay with your ears under water for a long time, and listen to nothing but your blood flow. Top up the bath with hot water, using your toe to control the tap.

Put on really warm bed clothes and thick socks, and go to bed.

It works for me, but I'm no therapist.

Best wishes.

 

[ttcycle]

Completely understandable if you're not able to post publically.

Just remember people are here to listen if you need it.

Take care and look after yourself

 

[Norm]

Not sure if it's relevant but I write it down, the good bits, the bad bits, the pros & cons, everything. Pretty much whatever is going on in my head, whatever I am cogitating on, putting it on paper gets it out of my head.

 

[Danny]

I've had a long conversation about it with my partner & also my sister briefly. I'd like to share but I don't feel I can put the problem on a public forum.

Sounds like you are doing the right think in talking to people who are close to you.

Sometimes when I feel a bit stressed, or have just had a really busy day, I go for a 20-30 minute walk before going to bed. While I am walking I actually think about my day and try and put it in perspective, and by the time I get home I'm usually relaxed enough to sleep like a log.

 

[vernon]

Stress - breathing excercises work for me. Breathing in slowly through one nostril and out slowly through the other aided and abetted by suitable pinching of the nose focuses the mind on an alternative activity, slows the pulse rate, lowers the blood pressure and sends one off to sleep rather quickly.

I'll be deploying the technique tonight this morning as I'm having an episode too. meanwhile I'm being soothed by The Yum Yum Tree by Ozric Tentacles.

 

[XmisterIS]

Powerful hallucinogenic drugs.

And magnets.

It's amazing what you can do with magnets when you're high ...