What helps you calm down / relax?

[chocobeann]

ahh depends on how low I'm feeling. I like listening to background music from the Disney parks, eating, eating, more eatinggg, playing animal crossing ; ), traveling, going places I don't go to often, cleaning, being out in the sun, painting, drawing, watching abandoned place videos (oddly relaxing), being all cozy warm in bed with some candles and watching a wholesome movie or show, while also eating lol. Sometimes if I'm really depressed, I'll just lay in bed, listen to soft instrumental-type music, and reflect on my feelings. It's a bad place to be but I'd rather delve through my emotions and figure them out rather than put them behind a wall and pretend they don't exist.

 

[Rasha]

A hot bath with a cigarette and a cup of coffee.

 

[Revolucionaria]

Honestly the most calming thing for me whenever i'm upset or anxious, is being comforted or reassured by my fianc?. I've had a lot of anxiety this last year. I know it is important for me to be able to self soothe as well, so for when i'm alone, I find it relaxing for me to play animal crossing or even listen to animal crossing music with a chrome extension or to have an anime episode/podcast/youtube video in the background to keep me "company" while I take care of things. Worst case scenario, I curl up in a blanket and take a nap.

 

[Blood Eclipse]

It depends what's on my mind. I find that reading a book, taking a warm shower, exercising, not missing sleep, listening to music, playing video games (if I'm in the mood), petting my cat and listening to her purr helps a lot. Walking in a wooded, grassy area and listening to the sound of nature while the sun is still out is usually the most effective for me. I'm able to quiet my mind for a bit and breathe in fresh air.

 

[zato]

depends on how bad it is and if i've stored up alot already. if it's to the breaking point i do my best not to go back to my addiction but it's hard (it's still sadly something i fight with.) and try to use music or art instead, if that fails, sleep, long walk, or a game is a good escape. if it's minor i like to be around animals/pet them, play with them, or just watch them run/swim/fly around and play with other animals just to get my mind off what was the problem. focusing all my attention on something like a necklace or a ring, some kind of thing on my person to fiddle with also helps. comedy is also good, if you can get me to laugh i calm quick, and i found that it helps make facing things easy if you make light of them then they seem less scary/upsetting/ect. i would say physical reassurance like hugs or pats but i wouldn't know as when i had significant others i was always the one who had to give affection and my friends have only done so when death/extreme things were involved.

 

[Buttonsy]

Check that I've had food and water recently, listen to music that makes me happy, maybe meditate or take a bath.

 

[tybalt_cake]

if i'm pissed off or stressed , i try listening to music , laying down in bed and/or watch dumb videos on youtube


if im sad i just go ahead and cry , it makes me feel better , so if you feel like crying don't avoid it , just do it.

 

[Licorice]

Listening to podcasts or music usually works.

 

[Izzy Reincarnated]

I take an amphetamine-based medication, so it's basically forced me to find as many ways as I can to relax which include:
-Meditating and focusing on my breathe (helps kill off the fight-or-flight neurotransmitters),
-Hot showers ( or cold showers if I just worked out),
-Progressive muscle relaxation (helps loosen my muscles),
-Hot tea (lavender and chamomile are my favorites for that relaxation),
-Intense exercise (mellows me out tremendously after doing it),
-Going for a walk (I find looking at nature to be soothing),
-Drinking (usually a last resort if I'm trying to purposely relax),
-Listening to music (helps clear my mind and stimulates me),
-Screaming out of happiness (the energy release from this helps put me to sleep somtimes),
-Eating chilis or anything spicy (the burn helps take my mind off things)

 

[namiieco]

music, games and sleep.
sleep is the most effective if i can actually fall asleep.

 

[idiotdoomspiral]

music, showers, video games, tea/hot chocolate, dumb youtube videos

- - - Post Merge - - -

if things are really bad i have a friend to text who is very good at calming me down

 

[pinkbunny]

Podcasts, music, animal crossing, skyrim.

 

[MarzipanDragyn]

More often than not, I can't calm down (which, I know, isn't healthy), and have to get it out of my system, usually in a crying fit that ends with a stuffed nose and a splitting headache.

When I can control it, however, usually drawing something will help, or holding something tight (like a stuffed animal). Hugs help a lot.
Most importantly, I have to get myself out of my own head before I inadvertently lock myself in, meaning distractionary tactics are 100% necessary for me to be successful. Reading, writing, drawing, video games, music, talking, physical exertion, you name it--if it can be used to draw your attention away from the problem, I will take the option. It doesn't always work, but it's always better to try. Lately, I haven't been losing it as much as I used to, so I at least have that going for me.

 

[XAustin]

When I was younger I played videogames or watched movies. But now I would prefer to sleep or watch my small garden grow. It's really relaxing. My father has an aquarium for this but I prefer something even less needing care like plants that's why I have a grow tent like this in my garage. Though the thing is that plants also require the same amount of care as fish

 

[Excaloser]

It depends! If I'm overstimulated I normally just have a quick cry and then I'm okay, but often I find spending time around people really gets me out of my own head and makes me feel a lot better! Just having someone to talk to and laugh with is a great help, I find that I can't really do it on my own. I normally just have to wait it out if I can't see anyone.

 

[cornimer]

ASMR videos help me relax and calm down for sure (thought I would be the only one because I know a lot of people don't like ASMR, but glad to see I am not from reading this thread!)

If I can spend time with another person face to face that usually helps get my mind off things as well, but unfortunately my close friends don't live nearby so this isn't usually an option. Sometimes I also just need to cry for a bit.

 

[deerprongs]

Music, showers, video games, eating... A lot of eating. Sleeping helps too, especially when I'm emotionally drained; a nice nap often helps.

 

[Antonio]

I love listening to music to help me relax.

 

[HistoryH22]

Reading a good book while listening to music generally helps my mind unwind.