I love this!! I usually make a list and work through it that way. As much as I tell myself that things are out of my control it helps to see it written down on paper with a plan of attack for things I CAN control

I always try to remember that worrying isn’t going to solve anything, and to be proactive in doing things that will put me in a happier mood.

Also, having a nice hot bath and then meditatiing in my bed for a couple minutes, then reading works well too 🙂

Tonight I’m going to do that, I need some R&R

Oh, I LOVE the balloon idea… actually doing this. I listen to a guided imagery stress reduction iTune sometimes that has you visualize your troubles going into a balloon and then the balloon floating away. But this is more profound! I love it!

I prefer Burning them.

Write everything on paper and set it on fire (or throw it into a fire).

I’ve never done that because I always figured they didn’t work. It would feel pretty good squashing my stress.

I find that making a list and scratching off stuff as I do them makes me feel a bit better. Of course, that takes care of stressors I can handle. Others–the ones that are mostly out of my control–just stick around.

omg, love the balloon idea!!!!

i usually just try to do positive affirmations and turn every negative thing i say into a positive thing… and when i am feeling down and like i can’t do something, i continually say to myself… “i am fierce!!!” (had a client tell me that i am fierce once and it stuck with me!)

I just said this on my site..I am going to enjoy the week despite the weather, the illnesses that all 3 of my guys have, the stress of life/work…I am just letting it go this week. I want to smile and just be happy and thankful for where I am at this moment. I hope you are feeling better now.

It is so good to find ways to de-stress… I’m always looking for new ways 🙂 Stress caused me lots of “tummy troubles” in my early 20’s (probably my diet too). So happy you shared this balloon remedy.

I actually did that at a leadership confrence I was at a couple of weeks ago except we popped the balloons when we were done, it felt great!

I find that keeping a diary really helps. There are even some good apps for that! Stress logs, happiness logs, gratuity journals, etc.

Just as a side note, I remember your post the other day about the books you read, and I just finished a really good one. If you haven’t already read it, I highly reccomend “Thin is the New Happy,” by Valirie Frankel: http://www.amazon.com/Thin-New-Happy-Valerie-Frankel/dp/B003STCO68/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1289847491&sr=8-1
It is her personal memoir about her body image struggles growing up and as an adult.
Jen

That seems like a really empowering activity. I will keep it in mind. It seems like something really cool that you could do with pre-teen girls or with your Girls on the Run group!

Kind of related: I like to keep a “worth” page in my journal. I have this big problem with feeling worthless if I am not always accomplishing something. And it is REALLY bad right now that I don’t have a job. So when that feeling comes on really strong, I just write down everything I have done that day, even little things: studied for my pharmacy school test, went swimming, cleaned for my mom, took care of myself, did something kind, etc.

Hmm, I could use something like this right about now. I’m all sorts of discombobulated with negative feelings/thoughts!

I like this idea! I tend to hold onto a lot of stress I cannot control (like things other people may do/say/think) and it’s hard to let it go sometimes. xoxo

I try to put stress in perspective. And keep telling myself that life always has stressful moments but they will pass!

I love the balloon trick!

I usually rock out in my car to music (preferably Taylor Swift) and take a long ride in the country.

I NEED to start doing stuff like this. Between working full-time and going to school full-time, I have a lot on my plate and need to just get all of my worries and stress out sometimes!

I tried hot yoga for the first time this weekend. I was exhausted after the 90 minute class (it felt like I had finished an 8-mile run!) but I realized it was the first time I had really stopped “thinking” and focused on something and connected with my body; even on runs and at the gym, I always seem to be “thinking.”

I don’t often follow mantras b/c they tend to feel a little corny for me, but when I do start to get bogged down by negative thoughts and feelings, I try to do something good for myself or for someone else to make me feel better. I also tell myself that things could definitely be worse, and that my problems are pretty minor compared to others.

I do want to say that this post is something that I really appreciate about your blog – you are so REAL and honest with yourself and your readers and you show that a bad day can be turned around. Also, your PB and J does look pretty awesome 🙂

I have never actually done any of the stress relieving tricks I have read. Some of them sound so hokey, but I think it’s the mindset you have when doing them. If you’re expecting them to work they will, and if you don’t they won’t!,

That is such a neat idea! Love it! I’m a huge advocate for positive affirmations. They work for me and I really believe in the power of positive thinking. A great author to check out is Louise Hay. Her book (and CD especially) I Can Do It! have changed my life.

I write myself positive affirmations and inspirational quotes on sticky notes, Operation Beautiful-style, and post them up in my apartment or put them in my day planner. I also just started putting then into my iPhone notepad. I love this because, well…I’m pretty much attached at the hip to my phone, so anytime I need a quick self-esteem boost, I have all my notes with me.

Love the balloon idea, too! Thanks for the tip!

I actually think this sounds really empowering!!

I like this. It reminds me of something my friends & I would do. We used to have an old New Year’s tradition in which we would write our wishes for the year on a helium balloon and release it to the heavens. The philosophy was that the Gods would receive it and make our dreams come true!

I love the balloon idea (and that you didn’t actually let it go). And I laughed when I saw that dust bunnies were a stressor.

My lovely mom-in-law send me an awesome journal for my birthday this past weekend. It basically prompts you to write down something your thankful for, something you’re hoping for, and a goal for tomorrow. I feel like writing things down can be really helpful with stress. Instead of carrying it around with you all day, write down the things you can control, the things you’d like to change, and how you think you can accomplish it! 🙂

this one time someone said something very hurtful to me so i went to the bathroom stall and cried (i know, i know), but then i remembered my go-to song (stronger by britney spears, ain’t no shame.) and instantly felt better. i thought of my dad who loves me no matter what, and my best friend who knows every single one of my weaknesses, past and present, but still thinks i’m one of the strongest people in the whole wide world 🙂 screaming and clenching my fists while i stomp my feet are just as effective though :)…just not entirely appropriate in the far left stall in the bathroom by the main lobby 😉