How to relax?

[nohika]

I'm currently working on my pre-reqs and suddenly a huge load of personal family stress has just been dumped on my lap. I just finished spring quarter at my school and start summer quarter soon. Anyways, ranting aside, I just wanted to know what type of relaxation/stress management techniques have worked best for you guys. I live at home with my mom and two siblings (who are both causing this stress), I can't move out (no money), etc. I know Nursing School is highly stressful and want to be prepared with an army of relaxation techniques to help me make it through just this summer.

Why I ask is because I tend to deal fairly poorly with huge bursts of sudden stress, and it's something I'm really trying to work on. I know that'll be my weakness in Nursing School, so I figured to try to deal with it now when I really, really need it.

Any advice? Anything would be appreciated; I'm desperate.

[caliotter3]

I took a stress management course in college and can't remember much, if anything. We learned how to do massage. A nice very warm relaxing bath with pleasant music, maybe a couple of sips of wine if you drink alcohol. Deep breathing exercises along with muscle relaxation. Soothing white noise at bedtime. You could probably find a lot of ideas if you do an internet search or look for a book on the subject at the bookstore. One of the best things I have found is a regular exercise routine. Easier to relax when you are in shape. Also the physical act of excercise makes stress go away or at least it lessens. HTH

[Multicollinearity, BSN, RN]

I used to do Hatha yoga and Kundalini yoga to relieve stress. I would practice these at home using DVDs. Kundalini yoga is a bit interesting because it involves some fast breathing that changes your acid/base balance. Kundalini is very relaxing (and strange appearing, at first).

Any type of aerobic activity would be good, and weight-lifting as well. Is there any specific type of exercise you really enjoy?