Do you have an outlet?

**disneysteve** · 10-06-2020, 06:16 AM

Exercise for sure.

Relaxing with my wife, watching a couple of Netflix shows.

Cleaning - I don't do it as often as it needs doing but I find cleaning surprisingly settling. Just the other day, I bought a set of scrub brushes that attach to my power drill and I'm using them to scour our shower and tub. It's very satisfying.

I started a grown up paint by number back in July. I have worked on it every single day since and I've really been enjoying it. I probably have another 8 weeks to go before it's done. I don't think I'll get another one right away but I would consider it in the future.

I started playing the piano again a few months back. I don't play a lot but at least a few times a week I'll sit down and play for a few minutes.

My wife and I are both quite into bourbon and other whiskey and enjoy activities related to that - tastings, things with a couple of groups we belong to, etc. In September, which is Bourbon Heritage Month, we did the "30 Days of Bourbon Challenge" where we had to have a drink of a different bourbon every day of the month. That was a lot of fun, both doing our own tastings and staging fun photos of our drinks each night, and following along with everyone else's posts.

**Petunia 100** · 10-06-2020, 07:31 AM

I just go home to my sweetie, my darling pup, and peace and quiet. It helps that we live in a beautiful place out in the sticks.

**disneysteve** · 10-06-2020, 08:09 AM

Here’s the paint by number I’m working on. It is 16x20 inches.

**Petunia 100** · 10-06-2020, 08:27 AM

Originally posted by disneysteve View Post

Here’s the paint by number I’m working on. It is 16x20 inches.

That's looking good!

**disneysteve** · 10-06-2020, 08:36 AM

Originally posted by Petunia 100 View Post

That's looking good!

Thanks. It's really neat seeing it gradually develop. It's been almost 12 weeks. Some days, when I work 12 hours, I may only paint a few small sections. On shorter work days and days off, I may paint quite a bit of it. I'm guessing I should be done by late November. I started on July 16.

**LivingAlmostLarge** · 10-06-2020, 09:27 AM

Um wow steve. Okay I just read. But wow. Right now life is a bit of a **** show with the kids and school.

**ua_guy** · 10-06-2020, 11:08 AM

Tinkering on projects and cars, being outdoors, hiking, camping, RV trips. DH and I are making a concerted effort to do more of these things as it's been nothing but stress at work and home for a long time now.

**cypher1** · 10-06-2020, 02:52 PM

Number one is gym for lifting, may get back into muay thai for cardio. Also mountain biking. More expensive hobby is shooting, but with ammo scarce, that's on hold for awhile. In the meantime cleaning, decluttering, and COD: Black Ops zombies with friends online has been invaluable for an outlet.

**james.hendrickson** · 10-06-2020, 02:58 PM

Another good way to unwind is to read for knowledge - or read threads about personal finance gurus in the savingadvice forums.

**bjl584** · 10-06-2020, 03:45 PM

Originally posted by disneysteve View Post

Here’s the paint by number I’m working on. It is 16x20 inches.

very nice!

**kork13** · 10-06-2020, 04:06 PM

1) Running & road biking
2) Reading
3) Board/dice/card/other games
4) Cooking
5) Listening to music/podcasts, often while doing something else.

In the moment, when I'm stressed out or angry/frustrated, I'll often default to reading or washing the dishes, folding laundry, or other house work. Following up to what DS said above, the repetitive nature of most household chores is cathartic. Especially in combination with listening to music/podcasts, it helps you focus on doing one thing over & over, and pushes out whatever else is on your mind.

I honestly struggle alot with stress, anxiety, patience, and control (specifically, not having it). Until I learn to really manage those things better, I rely heavily on stress relief/distraction techniques to keep myself "okay."

**cypher1** · 10-08-2020, 08:39 AM

I'm not sure if it's really an outlet, but I've been visiting my parents more often when stressed. Usually if I need a break from studying on a weekend, I stop over for a couple of hours outside to chat. I started doing it more once the weather got nicer, and my parents don't mind the company.

**disneysteve** · 10-08-2020, 08:58 AM

Originally posted by cypher1 View Post

I'm not sure if it's really an outlet, but I've been visiting my parents more often when stressed. Usually if I need a break from studying on a weekend, I stop over for a couple of hours outside to chat. I started doing it more once the weather got nicer, and my parents don't mind the company.

I think spending time with friends and family is definitely an outlet, especially in recent months when we've all been stuck at home.

**Fishindude77** · 10-08-2020, 11:11 AM

Since I've quit working, I find life to be pretty stress free.

I try to spend a lot of time outdoors. I don't think people were made to be cooped up inside buildings all day, every day.
Fresh outdoor air and mother nature is just good for you all the way around.

Do you have an outlet?