How do you de-stress?

geezermom
Sun, 27 Feb 2011 09:44:24 +0000

This week we started hospice care for my mom, who has had dementia following a stroke six years ago and is starting to experience organ failure. Three weeks ago a dear family member died of cancer. So February was not a good month. My main de-stressor over the past few days has been talking: to my husband, sisters, brother, and friends.

Several friends have mentioned the importance of rest. While taking a walk is always a good de-stressor for me, I’m trying to focus on slowing down, mentally and physically. I am an “overthinker,” and that makes things worse sometimes. We have a long few weeks, or even months, ahead of us. I’ve given myself permission to stay in my nightgown, drink coffee, read the paper, talk on the phone. I have a book group book I need to read (I hope it’s not depressing). As far as my mother goes, my concern and anxiety over her well-being has lifted, so oddly enough, part of de-stressing will be just sitting quietly with her.

Then there’s the really deep and meaningful stuff: Real Housewives, the Oscars, a pedicure, knitting! Mindfulness helps some people. Mindlessness works for me. I’m even focusing on work projects (I’m self employed) that are relatively mindless and easy.