Ask the Readers: How Do You Relieve Stress? (Chance to win $20!)

My stress relief is nothing special, just exercise and talking out my frustrations with my husband, mom, dad, or friend.

And sometimes a stiff drink does the trick.

I go to the gym. I drop the kids off and run or get on the elliptical machine and just go - I don't watch the TV, I just think and clear my head. Plus, it gives the kids and I a sort of break from each other in the late afternoon.

I sew and bind books when I get stressed. I find that the process of folding paper, sewing the sections of a book together, and the entire process of bookbinding to be therapeutic. Since I usually feel stress because of some sort of chaos in my life, the control that I have over paper, needle and thread gives me a sense of order and calm. I am then able to transfer that calm to whatever aspect of my life has been disrupted.

I go for a nice long walk with my dog. Just getting that fresh air and physical exercise plus bonding with my very understanding best friend really helps clear my head. Also good for de-stressing: naps, a decadent bubble bath, and chocolate!

Personally what works for me is exercise. My stress levels often go through the roof when I'm not getting enough movement. At the same time my thinking is sluggish and I struggle to take any sort of meaningful action. However, when I exercise this has a tendency to clear up my mind, thoughts and attitude. This relieves stress and has a tendency to focus me on solutions rather than problems.

I have also found that watching a sitcom or reading something funny can help relieve stress. However, nothing beats exercise :)

The first thing I do is step back from my To Do list and prioritize what needs to be done. What can be done tomorrow?

Then I fix some tea, light a candle and escape for a cupful.

I imagine achieving the things I really want and think about small steps toward my goals.

If I'm in the car, I turn on the radio or sing my heart out if nothing but commercials is on.

I eat a dark chocolate candy bar and deep breathing exercises.5 Benefits of Dark Chocolate

1. Studies have shown dark chocolate to lower blood pressure
2. Studies have also shown dark chocolate to lower bad cholesterol (LDL)
3. It turns women on more than a passionate kissing session (no wonder they want it for Valentine's Day!)
4. Contains serotonin, a natural mood-boosting anti-depressant
5. Stimulates pleasure-inducing endorphin production

Take a shower, then lay down and just shut my eyes, even if I don't fall asleep

I agree with Ann, a glass of wine or beer is great.

The universal way. It's relaxing, healthy, increases endorphins, and it's free! Even Dear Abby approved.

Relieving stress is a matter of resetting the brain to a different mode. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, but the main point is to change the channel. Life is a series of events and circumstances...it's how you REACT to these events and circumstances that determine the effect they have on you. Say a tree falls in your yard and you have to get out there and chop it up...instead of moaning and complaining, look at it as a chance to get out in the fresh air and get some exercise. Say you lose your job...look at it as an opportunity to get a BETTER job. No matter what the circumstances, there are always several ways to look at it. Choose to find a positive course of action no matter what the source of the stress is.

I go for a walk. The more stressed I am, the faster I walk.

I hide in my room and read a book or take a nap. Or I take a nice hot bath and read a book and lite candles around the tub,

I find humor to be the best stress killer. If you look close enough you can see the humerus side of almost any situation. As the old saying goes: "Life is a tragedy to the man who feels, but a comedy to the man who thinks."

When I am stressed I go for a walk around the neighborhood, and sometimes I bring my cell phone. Just talking through your stress releases some of the pressure. Not only that, but your friend might be able to help you come up with a plan of action to get rid of the stress altogether.

I have a super busy job, so I try to deal with stress in various ways. One is an email management tip I picked up for those days when you get too much in your inbox: if I get a personal or work email that I can deal with in less than 3 minutes, I'll deal with it, instead of leaving it for later. Another is that I found a yoga studio a few blocks from my office. I always keep a yoga mat in my office and try to head to a class if I've had a hectic day. This gives me (i) some relaxation and (ii) a break from my work. Luckily, I can come and go as I please at work, so it's easy to take off whenever I want!

I love to hike in our nearby forestry trails. There is nothing better than a free, frugal walk in the likes of mother nature. The easy hike always helps recenter my mind and make me feel at peace.

How Do You Relieve Stress? close my eyes, meditate, breathe deeply, then eat chocolate - works every time.

Take deep breaths and pray to Jesus.

I relieve stress by soaking in a bubble bath with a good book, with a plate of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies (my secret: I use the break & bake and made a handful at a time, so they are deliciously warm and gooey every time) and a glass of milk. Maybe it sounds strange to eat in the bathtub, but after a long day, I really look forward to this.

If I can, I get to the gym or go for a long run. If exercise is out of the equation, then a shot or two of a blended scotch.

I take a break from whatever I am doing and call someone I know who is also in a stressful situation -- unemployed, dealing with health issues, etc. -- and see if they need anything. Most of the time they don't need much but the call does us both good. Sometimes reminding myself that I am not the only one dealing with stress and getting away from my own issues is all I need to get my focus on dealing with issues productively.

I like to relieve stress by going for a long walk

I go out into nature and PRAY. Then I listen. Next I plan how to handle whatever it is that is causing the stress. Once I take action I feel more empowered. My avoidance behaviors include eating my favorite foods and reading.

I write to relieve stress...there's something about putting pen to paper that gets all of those negative emotions out...

I listen to music and walk when I'm stressed. It's a great way to relax, and I find it also helps if it's in the dark. But I'm kind of strange like that :)

I have 3 main ways to relieve stress, depending on where I am:

At work- Deep breaths and hot tea. Both allow me to slow down and refocus.

At home- Needlepoint. I find the rhythmic nature of it soothing.

In the car- Singing at the top of my lungs to whatever playlists is on. Sure, I may look silly but I won't be stressed! :)

I usually read a book, scrapbook, or vent to my hubby

Exercise! My new favorites are yoga and zumba--I recently joined a gym, and go four times a week. I also enjoy walking. Also, one 5 oz. glass of wine or one 12 oz. beer (the limit suggested for women) with dinner on most nights.