When I get very stressed out I will take my beautiful Golden Retriever, Amber for a long walk. She is a wonderful companion and has a calming affect on me. The walk also has a calming affect as well. My other favourite way to get rid of stress is to meditate. I do a variety of guided meditations with nature and spiritual-style music playing softly in the background. I do this in a quiet room where I can lie down and relax. Usually it puts me into a very relaxing trance. Doing both during the same day has the best results.
While I can see that having a pet, a dog to take for a walk can help, I think it depends a lot on the situation that your in. For me owning a dog would probably add to the stress, give me something else to worry about.
Play with my dogs, work out, read, surf the internets, barbecue / grill, get together with friends, have a few drinks at home or out, etc.
I walk around the neighborhood for about an hour. Not a slow walk, I'm talking about walking with a sense of urgency and with a weighted back pack. You spend a lot of energy and sweat like there is no tomorrow. That is the way I relieve stress and get a good workout.
I'm sorry that owning a dog would add stress! Would a lazy dog like a labrador not help? Personally, I don't see how they could add stress to somebody's life, but I suppose to each their own.
Huh, I can see why that'd help. I don't like the idea of a weighted backpack though, they stress me out to no end xD
I watch TV shows, Anime, or movies. Or play games and listen to music that I like. Going for a walk also can hep me.
I enjoy playing the game Alliance of Valiant Arms to help me destress. Even though I do not have current employment I still think it is a relaxing game to play when you got nothing to do. I just hope to get a job soon this year having no job bites.
