If you have a very intense job, how in the H do you decompress,

[LaraMN]

short of abusing substances?

I love my job, but I can't shut off my brain, or the adrenaline I'm always running on, and I can't seem to channel it effectively when I'm not at work, either. Yesterday I was off work and it was raining outside, and I literally spent about three hours pacing the house because I could not relax.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. My dear LaraMN!

Hey, it's great to have you posting!

I'm sorry that it's stress that's bringing you here...

I find that regular gymnasium exercise works wonders to keep the stress levels down...

It gets you out of the house where you can see other adults working out, and this is a very good thing. I find that even though I get really tired, working out helps my perspective on my life and whatever else is on my mind.

Take care of yourself, sweetie...

:hug:

[LaraMN]

10. You probably hit the nail on the head.

I've been dragging my feet about getting out and running regularly. I know I need to do it...

[Manifestor_of_Light]

2. Take a very hot shower.

Hope you don't burn out over your job.

If you can't unwind, make a list of stuff to do -- like say, housework, and then do it!

[LaraMN]

12. If I don't burn out, I'll be to old for it in a few years, anyway.

I really do love it, it's just mentally draining!

[MiddleFingerMom]

3. I spank the monkey.

.
No, really. I spank the monkey.
.
Here... :evilgrin: YOU try it.
.
.
http://www.addictinggames.com/monkey.html
.

[EOTE]

4. How about respectfully using substances?

I try not to abuse anything, but a nice single malt scotch or a nice spliff is usually a great way to help me unwind. And with the people that I support, that's usually necessary.

[LaraMN]

9. I'm not good with doing pretty much anything in moderation.

Although I do drink a glass or two of wine in a week, I suppose.

[MrCoffee]

5. You need a red latex bodysuit, a can of creamed corn, and a badger

A weasel will work in a pinch, I guess.

[LaraMN]

7. Last week you told me that was how to make friends and influence people!

I see now why neither of these things have come to pass...

[MrCoffee]

8. Just because you're not happy with *that* sort of friend

doesn't make the advice less true.

[LaraMN]

14. Thanks for letting me know what happens when creamed corn

dries on your scalp. x(

[MrCoffee]

16. YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG

How in the world did the creamed corn get anywhere near your head? I knew I should have drawn a picture.

[Ishoutandscream2]

6. 1 zanax in the morning as I leave the house for work

Keeps me settled and focused at the start of the day.

[Tommy_Carcetti]

11. I swim.

Seriously, last week was very stressful for me at work, and after a particularly stressful day my mind was racing.

I did 500 yards in my pool and found myself to feel a lot more at ease.

So if there's any particular form of exercise that you enjoy, I might suggest that.

[tango-tee]

13. I know how you feel, Lara.

For many years, I worked about 60 hours a week in aircraft maintenance. Making sure required tasks were done on schedule, snags were fixed, the aircraft were ready when ops needed them, etc. Someone always on the phone during the day, screaming in my ear. In my off hours, I always felt as though I had one foot on the brake and the other on the accelerator. Engine revving, rubber burning but not going anywhere. On vacation, it took at least a week to calm down enough to even become accustomed to a slower pace. As much as I loved my job - just like you do - right now I'm happy I was able to change to a different job within the company.

The only way to relax other than getting dead drunk after work was to walk the tension off. I'm fortunate that I live right across the street from a huge park with old trees, lawns, flower beds, fountains and benches to take a little rest and enjoy the beauty. Watching the birds and squirrels. Enjoy seeing the old men play chess and young moms push baby strollers. A different pace, being able to breathe.

I'm afraid this may not be a lot of help to you because I don't know your circumstances, i.e. if this kind of relaxation is do-able for you, but being surrounded by nature has soothed my soul many, many evenings and has helped slow that runaway engine down.

[struggle4progress]

15. Exercise. Yoga maybe

[Turbineguy]

17. I walk into the waiting room

at the Doctor's office and yell: "What are all you people doing in my living room?"

[guitar man]

18. like this

best thing I've ever found for it...as a matter of fact, I'm going for a ride as soon as I get out of here :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPmp69-FfRE

[madinmaryland]

19. Sex. n/t

[Ivan Sputnik]

20. Learn to meditate?

It's pretty simple. It works, at least for me.

http://www.wikihow.com/Meditate

[triguy46]

21. Excercise, working around the farm, weekends, wine.

[femmocrat]

22. I sleep a lot.

I don't have the adrenaline, just the mental and physical exhaustion.

When I'm stressed out, I shut down.

[trof]

23. You lost me at 'short of abusing substances'. Booze.

Worked for me.
:-)

On edit: Still does.
;-)

[Xipe Totec]

24. +1

It helps me FEEL what it's like to be normal.

[JTG of the PRB]

25. Whenever I get stressed out by work, I turn on my XBox and blow up stuff for a couple hours.

Playing video games, particularly the more violent ones like Halo or Gears of war, really helps me channel my frustration and calms me down. Might not work for everybody, but it sure as heck works for me.

[swimboy]

26. Wonderful to see you!

Probably against the odds for both of us to be seen in the same thread these days.

Exercise is generally good, and as you might guess--I swim.

For those times when the brain just races and you can't slow down to the level of sleep, you might ask your doctor if something like ambien for a short period of time might ramp you down so you could get a couple of good night's rest. If your brain is revving, it may take something to break its breakneck pace.

Wishing you well!

:loveya:

Edited to clarify--the only medical advice I intended to offer is that you talk with your doctor!

:hug: