Dealing with Stress

[chaosyoshimage]

I'm going through a really stressful time in my life right now, I'm usually incredibly laid back, but right now I'm having a ton of problems. I'm 19 and have been out of school for a year and a half and don't have a driver's license. So, I decided to change that, I've been getting the hang of driving and I think I can pass the test. My dad doesn't think so, my mom does, I have to go to the test with my dad though (My mom's truck isn't insured for me). Just his lack of belief that I can do it drives me nuts.

Anyway, I signed up for the local (Half hour drive, a couple of towns over, I live in the middle of nowhere) community college, and it seems they still don't have my financial aid sorted out. And if they do, I still have to pay for the car that I need to get to drive there. You know, if I get my license. Since I've never had a job before, I'm worried about that two. I have a week and a half until classes start.

So Escapist community, how do you guys and gals deal with stress?

 

[anANGRYkangaroo]

Music, friends, and games.
Best if you can combine all three.
Find a weekend when you dont have work or school, and get as many friends as possible for a gaming marathon together, with some good tunes blasting. It has always worked well for me, and if not that, just blast whatever music you have that gets you pumped and/or happy

 

[chaosyoshimage]

Music usually helps me a bit, but I don't really have many friends. I never really got close to anyone besides this one guy, and my lack of car kind of drove us apart. We still e-mail each other, but I haven't seen him since I left high school.

Games definitely help, but I can't focus on anything right now, so I'm having difficulty getting into them.

 

[Comando96]

Want to sort out the source with the stress or just live with it but downed a bit.

By the sounds of it you need to leave home... mainly leave influence of FATHER... the root source of all of my depression problems xD

You feel that you have no control over your life and everything is controlled from an outside force. You finally get something you feel could help you out and then get control (driving) but your dad then drags you down again psychologically.

meh.

--------------------------

I'd heavily suggest a multilayer game that is very team based... like Team fortress 2 (which is free... get it). If you play a multilayer game where you are dragged into the game rather than trying to place yourself in the game in a bubble, shooting someone from a distance. If cooperation is required then that would help...

Personally when I'm really bad I go shooting with my air rifle but that requires a air rifle and a taste for shooting... and a target... paper or otherwise.

 

[TehCookie]

Suppress it until I got batshit insane for a day or two then once I get that out of my system I repeat the cycle.

You might not want to follow my example...

 

[chaosyoshimage]

Want to sort out the source with the stress or just live with it but downed a bit.

By the sounds of it you need to leave home... mainly leave influence of FATHER... the root source of all of my depression problems xD

You feel that you have no control over your life and everything is controlled from an outside force. You finally get something you feel could help you out and then get control (driving) but your dad then drags you down again psychologically.

meh.

That's how I felt, but my dad's not that bad. He was a lot better today, and wasn't really all that negative about my driving. In fact, I think he's slightly proud I'm trying to move on with my life even if I mess things up. I don't think he means to mess with me, but I'm a dreamer and he just tries to ground me into reality too much.

Suppress it until I got batshit insane for a day or two then once I get that out of my system I repeat the cycle.

You might not want to follow my example...

Yeah, I kind of went that route, but I snapped out of it when I listened to one of my favorite albums, "Sex, Love, and Rock n' Roll" by Social Distortion. I just needed some Punk Rock to remind me things aren't that bad.

 

[Strain42]

I cook myself some food (something delicious that I know how to make so I don't get more stressed from trying to cook it)

Kick back in a comfy chair or my bed, and just enjoy my food while I watch some TV shows on DVD or Netflix.

Life's troubles have a way of melting away for me when I'm enjoying a fun sitcom.

 

[TheFlyingMango]

Usually when I get overly stressed I go dunk my head in water, punch a punching bag, or just sit down and relax take deep breaths. Silly? Why yes of course but it works for me. Try it out if you want.

 

[electric_warrior]

I don't know. I honestly don't think I ever really get stressed, even when I take exams I don't seem to get stressed.

If I did, I'd imagine I'd listen to music or go swimming, but I honestly don't think I get stressed.

 

[Dimitriov]

Alcohol: the cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems!

But seriously, if I am really stressed out I either sit around freaking out or I do the smart thing and exercise. Burning off some of that nervous energy really helps, and the extra blood flow feels good and helps you figure out solutions.

 

[JB1528]

Listen to music, Write music, play video games.

 

[BytByte]

I usually just sleep and when I wake the problem seems much less significant. Also some nice classical music is always great for calming my nerves. Chopin take me away!

 

[theonlyblaze2]

Paintball. That is my go-to stress reliever. It is a massive stress reliever to me. Plus, it is a great way to meet people in the local area. I never knew anyone where I live(my stepdad is a dumbass and built a house in an area 20 miles from the closest school)then I went paintballing and met a good forty people I can hang out with. Might also give you a chance to hang out with your dad in a fun environment. Brought me and my dad closer together. Me and my stepdad...not so much.

 

[Gaiseric]

Depending on what resources I have available I workout(nothing clears my head like a run), listen to music, video games, take apart my guns, LPs, and if I have the money shooting(fun+stress relief=awesome).

 

[TehCookie]

Yeah, I kind of went that route, but I snapped out of it when I listened to one of my favorite albums, "Sex, Love, and Rock n' Roll" by Social Distortion. I just needed some Punk Rock to remind me things aren't that bad.

Not sure if this song will work for you, but it makes me feel better.

 

[spartan231490]

Listen to music, play video games. actually sometimes I just kinda walk around the house with my wooden sword being angry(I can't afford a metal one or I'd use that). Reading helps. Talking to friends helps. but honestly, the thing that helps me the most is getting away from the world. I go into my room, or better yet out in to the woods somewhere, throw some of my favorite tunes on my headphones and just ignore everything for a few hours. it works pretty well for me. gets me through.

 

[Technicolor]

First let me commend you on the awesome DBZ kai avatar.

Second, it sounds like you have a lot of pent up energy, also it seems like you want a sense of freedom.

I guess for now, I say take a nice walk, but try to go places you don't usually go and travel by new paths. Usually new-found curiosity brings alongside new-found optimism. If you really feel stressed, just run, I doesn't matter where, just go where you feel, and let out all of your energy.

When you get home just plop yourself anywhere. You'll likely be tired, take a nap or watch TV, don't try overthink your life, just relax.