How do you "come down" from a bad day?

[CeriseNin]

Usually having a glass of wine while preparing an involving meal helps me relax a lot. If it's been a day from hell, going to the gym works wonders.

[JustJo]

Love this topic...

I work from home, so being able to switch gears is critical for my sanity. Some of my colleagues are firing off emails at 2 a.m. and working 7 days a week. They're also the ones we get the email about... "so and so is pursuing opportunities outside of *company*. Please join us in wishing them well."

I multi-task all day long...bouncing between work, online play (like now), household and kid responsibilities...until it's time for work to end. I do that by the clock...and it's 5 p.m. unless I have a critical conference call. Then I will work until the end of that call, period. I will quickly jot down any tasks I'm responsible for or notes I need for the next morning, then I'm done.

I never, ever, ever spend more time at work than a normal day...or I'll end up being one of those burned out colleagues. For me, longevity is the most important thing...and work is a marathon, not a sprint.

So....when it's time to quit for the day...I flag any emails that haven't been resolved from the day, I add new tasks to my "to do" list, and then I shut down my computer and close the lid. I do not go back to that desk until the next morning.

The "dividing" activity for me is always the same...dinner preparation. Whether I'm cooking or running to KFC, the act of getting dinner is the dividing line. Work stays on the other side, in it's own little mental compartment. I don't think about it, or generally talk about it, at all once dinner is underway. Once dinner is being prepared, it's all about home and kids and partner...whether that's helping with homework, watching TV, reading a book, whatever.

I'm the same on vacations and weekends. If you talked to me while I'm on a weekend or a vacation...you wouldn't even think I had a job.

[MsTinkerbelly]

I leave work at the door as I exit the building. Always.

After I get into the car, I crank up the music as loud as I can, sing at the top of my lungs, and decompress on the 1/2 hour trip to pick up my daughter from school. I may look like a loon driving down the road, but when I get home there is only happy on my mind.

Oh, and chocolate helps too!

[nekohl]

Your post reminded me of my adventures in substitute teaching in New York. My first day involved an attempted stabbing by a third grader with safety scissors.
I have since moved on to different adventures.

Now my stress comes from the men in my life. That is, being the only female working amongst 30 or so men. And, having to constantly convince men that yes, this little girl does know what she's talking about, and can drive a stick better than you!


Long hot baths with a glass of wine and some reading material help with the cool down.
But, I've found that doing my laundry helps me come down too!

I hope you find something that sooths you!

N

[girl_dee]

to ask for a beating. Seems to work....

[Kenna]

Sometimes.... on particularly hard days....
take a "drive" down Route 66; it's a great way to shed some serious tension.

Other days....
I love nature and finding a private peaceful place, like a wildlife refuge, to take a long hike with Willy Bear. And lots of cuddles with all the critters. I love their antics and they make me laugh even on the worst of days.

Focusing on some hobbies like my photography; working on my scripts for childrens books made from my favorite memories; planning a weekend camping trip or trip to the mountains (I love camping alone where I can find lots of peace and secluded nature)....or cooking an elaborate meal that feels REALLY good (nothing like comfort food!).

Late at night, when I can't go for a hike...I love watching documentaries with beautiful cinematography and stunning shots of beautiful places; SciFy movies (and other unusual movies) and MASH reruns. I have the whole collection of MASH and have watched every episode so many times that it's like reading an old favorite book.... it puts me right to sleep.

[LeftWriteFemme]

I talk on the phone or I play word games here on the planet!

[Silverseastar]

I handle it by turning the mental into something phsical. I go to the gym, walk the dog, go on a hike, go for a bike ride. Even 30 minutes can make a big difference.

Also, I'm all about the bath! Epsom salts in the tub help to ease tension. And massage! Anything that helps to balance your mind/body connection.

Eating well is important to stress levels too.

Oh, and cortisol levels can be seriously impacted by long term stress as well and create an anxiety/depression piece. Make sure you are taking good mulit-vitamins with a strong B complex.

*smiles*
You can do it! It will get better.

[Julie]

In all honesty...
I generally allow myself to get swallowed up by all that brings me down.
HERE...
I have met some people -- They know when I am getting swallowed up.
They reach out and say...

Julie - You getting lost in your head (ahem).
YEP YEP!

So, thank you my *people* for knowing when it's just a really bad fucking day.

I am blessed - by those who skin i have yet to touch.
I am blessed - by their connection and energy.