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

[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!

[Diva]

I hold substitute teachers WAY UP...just like I do elementary teachers!!

After having taught for a good 25+ years, and did a little substitute work myself, I admire You!

First, if I had a planned absence, as their teacher, I would inform the kids I would be gone. I would ALso tell them that I expected a good report. More often than not, I got one. It was like the "wait til your FATHER gets home" thing for me. But they knew they would catch hell if I got a bad report from a sub.

AS a sub, I would always arrive early to get myself settled in. I would involve one or more kids ~ You can tell which ones are the hellions...and I would always ask them. Also....I would tell them ~ at the end of the day, if you wanna pop back in, I'll be listening to some music before I go home ~ kinda 'shuts down my day here'....if you wanna join me, that'd be great. If they wanted to do that, I'd write them a note so they could get back down at the end of the day. I had as many as 10 kids just sitting with me, listening to music, winding down together. Are you paid to do that. Nope. But did it make a difference? Yep. And that's a better paycheck, if you ask me.

[Gemme]

Currently, I have anywhere from a half hour to an hour commute each way, depending on when I'm hitting the roadways. I listen to the radio and, when feeling sassy, talk back to it and/or sing along with it. It does help some.

Playing online here, in the silly and game threads, makes for a good "zone out" time for me.

Time with friends can help.

Listening to my MP3 player and bopping about helps sometimes.

Sometimes, nothing but a big bowl of ice cream or popcorn and a movie will work.

There is not just "one" thing that works for me all of the time. Different situations warrant different approaches. I can leave work happy, exhilerated, sad, defeated, depressed, angry, frustrated and/or numb. Each emotion has a different 'cure'.

[Rockinonahigh]

I work in elder care but for the most part my cliants are really good to be around,BUT..,there are a fue who I just have to smile and take a deep dreath to deal with.Those who arent as nice to deal with are mostly men who are rude obnauchas(sp..its 2:00am k)and down right potty mouth.The days I do all I can but still have a bad day I crank the radio up to rattle the windows in my car...I play Jerry Lee Louis to the hilt and sing along ,then I end up at the pool hall.The first fue trables are called rack em and slam em...it dose help.Then I can settle down to some serious pool games wich takes all the stress away cause I can think of anything but the game when im playing.Next I go home and spend some really fun time with my fur kids who always make me feel better no mater what.A nice shower,dinner and im good.

[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.