View Full Version : Stress Relieving Activites
K9 Police
11-07-2003, 18:35
Welcome to the new Stress Forum!!!
I remember when I was being hired and going through the oral board, they commented on how they appreciated the fact that I talked about stress even when off the job and how to cope with it. There are many stressors while working, but I was surprised as a rookie to see how it even affected me while off-duty. Law enforcement is a challenging and always evolving procession, and I found many different stresses. Not always from what I thought the typical stress would be (bad accidents, suicides, etc.); but also "politics" within the department.
When I was hired I made a promise to make time each day to keep my stress down. Some days the stress is a lot more than others, but I believe the stress-relief activities are necessary to stay healthy. Some of my own stress relief activities include lifting weights, running long distances, listening to rock music or going to concerts, or watching a good movie. Even coming to this board to hear about other LEOs around the country with the same problems. Probably the most effective stress-relief I found was just talking about what is bothering me. I know some LEO's that are unable to talk about how they feel for whatever their reason, but it is in my own opinion that it can be very effective in relieving stress. Hopefully this forum will aid others in the emergency response services in reducing stress that kills.
Don't be afraid or shy to post in this new forum. Talk about things that happen to you that create your stress.
What are your stress-relief activities?
K9
Originally posted by K9 Police
What are your stress-relief activities?
Walking that sorry excuse of a dog, I call Scooby, every morning before I get my boys up. It really helps me clear my head and focus on the day ahead. I hate getting up that early, but he needs it, and in reality, so do I.
Excellent post K9. I too, thought I knew what would cause stress before I started this career. Boy, was I mistaken.
K9 Police
11-07-2003, 21:08
It is amazing what dogs can do, and they don't even speak english! Their loyality and honor can never be doubted. My girlfriend has a cocker spaniel that everyone calls "The Mental Health Coordinator." No matter how you are feeling, they are always there for you.
Listening to Coldplay right now. It is amazing how music soothes the soul.
K9
Playing the guitar...nothing relieves stress more for me than playing or listening to music.
Good post K9. I get up way too early and hit the roads for a walk or run.....this usually gets me ready to face the day. As for dealing with the day at the end - a nice long ride home on the Harley does it for me....that and the heavy bag in the basement.
Long run, Tai-Chi, or if pressed for time 2 mins with my daughter...the latter is by far the most effective.
bpawatts
11-09-2003, 02:20
One of the best things I have found for stress relief is wrestling. Everyday either before or after work, depending on my shift, I have a full on wrestling match with The Hulk, Spiderman and Bat Girl. There are flying elbow drops, power knees and super power kicks. There are super hero accessories as well. With capes, masks and power gloves. My personal favorite is slow motion mode that has full sound effects. I always end up the loser and have taken some serious beatings.
Of course, this is always followed up by dinner or bath time for those hoodlums.
I drive. I enjoy parks and outdoor areas which is where I spend most of my time when I have something on my mind. I get in my truck and just drive and kind of explore what's out there.
Duckie911
11-09-2003, 13:20
When stress starts getting up there, a friend and I head to the park and SWING!!! Get on the swings and don't care who is looking, sometimes the park ranger shows up but when he sees that it's one of his diapatchers "destressing" he leaves me alone. When stress is way over the top, I head to the beach...Nothing better than listening to waves and walking the beach. Hey, afterall I did grow up on an Island! and the 8 hr or so drive helps too.....D
Great posts and keep them coming. Underlying point is that stress is everyday and activities and skills to manage and relieve stress need to be applied on the same schedule.
Originally posted by bpawatts
I always end up the loser and have taken some serious beatings.
You too??? Man, and I'm a DT Instructor but I still can't get the upperhand. Ofcourse my youngest has the unfair advantage of working out everyday with our Rottweiller.
That 10-15 minutes reading with them everynight puts everything else in perspective.
Glad to hear I'm not the only that's sucker for his kids.
Biggest stress relief for me is the gym. Nothing like getting those endorphins flowing. Sometimes sitting outside and looking at the stars while smoking a nice cigar doesn't hurt either.
Raven231
11-10-2003, 16:08
The biggest stress relief that I can think of is spending time with the kids and lifting weights. I enjoy other things as well but if it's been a rough day nothing works quite like working out then going home and rough hosuing with the kids.
Raven231
LA Express
11-10-2003, 19:15
Reading. For me, losing yourself in a good book does more than just ease stress--if it's a truly good book, it will almost transport you to another world, so to speak. Sometimes the hours will just fly by as I flick page after page and in the end, most or all of the stress is gone. It works for me.
MrJim911
11-11-2003, 06:04
Six "R's" for Stress Management:
RESPONSIBILITY: You are in control, establish priorities, keep it simple.
REFLECTION: Know your stress triggers, be aware of stress symptoms, check your balance in life.
RELAXATION: Do something good for yourself, schedule "worry" time and time outs.
RELATIONSHIPS: Maintain supportive relationships, manage your relationships, improve the relationship with yourself.
REFUELING: Eat a balanced diet with high fiber, low cholesterol, be aware of poisons; caffeine, fats, nicotine, fast food. Drink lots of water!!! (Consult with your physician!!)
RECREATION: Laugh and play! Learn how to have fun with family and friends, enjoy life and treat others like you want to be treated.
UncleSugar
11-11-2003, 16:54
A few years ago I was into Kickboxing and submission wrestling, and I wanted to be more flexible to prevent injury and compete better. Anyway, I started taking yoga, specifically Sivinanda and Bikhram yoga, even though all my friends said it was a "chick thing." I was in great shape, but both were a tough workout, and the concentration and breathing exercises made me feel relaxed and calm, instead of keyed up at the end of the workout.
I did have fewer injuries and compete better, but I was also able to handle stress much better. As an added bonus my friends were right, it is a chick thing - so twice a week, for 1.5 hours each time, I was hanging out with some very nice and athletic women. :)
Ozarks911
11-11-2003, 19:13
Going to the gym before going on-duty is my second best stress reliever. It seems to clear my mind and my outlook on the rest of the day is awsome. The first and foremost stress reliever, however, is my white German Shep Alex. He can tell when I'm stressed and loves to roll around on the floor and wrestle until I'm exhausted. That always works.
gota89stang
11-12-2003, 02:18
In my free time, i like to play madden 2004, but lol, that can stess me out more some times!! I also lift weights, work on my car, or just go out with the friends. Having alot of close friends really helps out, in that you can joke around, be serious, and just have fun, not worring about what you can and cannot do.
CustomsCop
11-12-2003, 03:15
I have my train layout which is a small but I run my own little fifedom. I also collect police patches which gives me the thrill of the hunt and allows me to finish my collections and move onto collecting new areas.
Iam also working on collecting bar items for that one day I open my bar down in the Keys which plays 24 hr Jimmy Buffett music and allows for fishing from the pier.
MTB_Patrol
11-12-2003, 14:49
Besides riding my bikes.......... 5 letters SCUBA (http://www.shavings.net/images/SCUBA/scuba2.jpg)
tacuptoday
11-12-2003, 15:37
For me it's a nice glass of wine, a hot bath, and all my cats. Just petting them and hearing them purr puts it all in perspective. Doesn't hurt that my husband dries my back!!!!
k9cop21811
11-13-2003, 20:17
Originally posted by MacLeod
Walking that sorry excuse of a dog, I call Scooby, every morning before I get my boys up.
And I thought all the disparaging dog remarks you had in you were directed at my dog only. One thing is for sure, you don't deserve a dog after a comment like that. Shame on you!
:)
Actually I do. And he is worthless; but for a Rottweiller he meets standards. I'm only breaking balls, he's great, and I get lots of enjoyment out of watching my 3 year-old wrestle with him.
Firewoman203
11-27-2003, 21:37
My biggest stress relief is crocheting. One of my co-workers taught me to do it. I think I am on my 6th afgahn in about 3 years. I'm not the fastest at it. But it is totally mindless to do once you get the hang of it. I can just sit there on the couch and work away.
My absolute favorite stress reliever is coming home to find my baby still awake. Nothing like a little cuddle time with a 3 month old to make the entire world disappear for a while.
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