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Thread: Can you suggest simple stress releaving projects?

  1. #1

    Can you suggest simple stress releaving projects?

    Hey guys,

    I had an episode of a lot of stress recently, but am now doing better.

    This all let me think a lot about stress reduction and keeping things simple.
    Do you guys have some things you recommend for stress reduction?

    I'd love it if you had a list of projects.

    -Matt

    ps. On my list, so far I have spoons. It's pretty relaxing.

  2. #2
    Exercise
    Proper nutrition
    Adequate sleep
    Music
    Meditation
    Breathing exercises

  3. #3
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by Matt Lau View Post
    This all let me think a lot about stress reduction and keeping things simple.
    Do you guys have some things you recommend for stress reduction?
    I like to release stress by starting sharpening threads on SMC. I like to think of it as "flame-annealing".

    (that was a joke. I swear)

  4. #4
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    That's the beauty of working with my hands. I can't dwell on my problems, I have to concentrate on what's immediately before me. It doesn't matter if i'm rebuilding an engine, knocking a dent out of a fender, or woodworking, I find i'm refreshed mentally after an hour or two of some activity.

    As long as its something I don't have to do... I need to replace the heater core in my wife's car, that won't be a stress relieving project!!

  5. #5
    i learned to saw dovetails by marking and cutting sets if I was feeling stressed. It also took the stress out of gaining that woodworking skill.

  6. #6
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    I like to drink beer and practice cutting dovetails. I figure if I can get it down while buzzed, once I go at it sober I'll be ready.
    -Lud

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Justin Ludwig View Post
    I like to drink beer and practice cutting dovetails. I figure if I can get it down while buzzed, once I go at it sober I'll be ready.
    What if it's like shooting pool and you get better at it (as far as you can tell) after a few drinks?

  8. #8
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    gardening
    exercise
    Tai chi
    deep breathing

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Matt Lau View Post
    Do you guys have some things you recommend for stress reduction?

    ps. On my list, so far I have spoons. It's pretty relaxing.
    Spoon carving? I was going to recommend carving. Carving, whittling, with gouges and knives. Nothing is more soothing.

    A few years ago I learned chip carving and that's another great stress reliever. I like chip carving on wood turnings which is a bit tedious to set up, but free form chip carving is the opposite of tedious. I even got great satisfaction from my practice boards. Minimum equipment needs too - just a knife. Or two if you want keep one foot on the wild side.

    practice_comp.jpg

    JKJ

  10. #10
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    Any manual activity seems to take the mind away from the stress. I found that once I admitted to myself and a few others what was causing it then the problem began to fade. Any activity is really just a band aid in the end.
    Chris

    Everything I like is either illegal, immoral or fattening

  11. #11
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    Maybe one of these?
    front view.jpg
    Then throw a couple seat cushions in it, sit back, take yer shoes off, and just rock....

  12. #12
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    Come work for me for a week. You'll be too tired to have any stress.

  13. #13
    I would say turning wood is stressless? One of my favourite past time nowadays. Other wood projects needs a lot of planning and thinking.

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Patrick Chase View Post
    What if it's like shooting pool and you get better at it (as far as you can tell) after a few drinks?
    Then I’m going to ask my wife for an increase in my beer allowance - the successful completion of her projects depends on it.
    -Lud

  15. #15
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    Don't do anything that requires the use of glue
    Jim

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