[jenny]

this term i am teaching several evening classes. this is going to sound like a ridiculous question, but i'm not sure how to relax when i get home, and i need help. i already have problems sleeping, and i'm so energized from class that it takes me hours to calm down. having a house manic with artsy folx adds to the problem. i'm aware this is kind of a dumb question, but i honestly don't know very many calm people.

so, what do you all do to relax?

[CaterpillarGirl]

Adjust your environment. Turn down the lights, get settled someplace comfprtable, like a couch or the bed. If you feel like you have to much energy to do this, try going for a walk/run to settle down. Music is great. I had a roommate who used to play this tape of "rainforest sounds." Read a good book. Take a long bath (don't fall asleep). Stay away from caffeine. Try writing about things that are stressing you out.

Hope this helps.

[2SidestoStories]

'Oy Jenny!

Have you tried meditation? I completely understand the bit about artsy folkies all round the house. I don't have that around me anymore, but I tend to prefer to be the reserved sort when I'm at home. The greatest thing about meditation is that it's all about you. There are so many different ways to go about it. I used to be part of a meditation group that met on Wednesday evenings back several years ago now (gads, that I can remove a decade from my life and still have been in my mid-teens! ack! Sorry...off topic...) Anyway, one of the "things to do" was come up with creative new guided meditations. Those were fun, but I honestly had a difficult time focusing on the person who was speaking because often times I'd get really off into my own little world.

There are also lovely deep breathing exercises that you could likely look up on the internet. As Tony's so fond of saying, "go to google and type in 'deep breathing' or 'meditation'..." :P

There's also the infamous glorious bubble bath with candles and your favorite relaxing music route. The great thing about bubble baths is the "other person optional" bit... Of course that may not be nearly so relaxing depending...

[2SidestoStories]

I had a roommate who used to play this tape of "rainforest sounds."

One of my ex bfs had a rainforest sounds tape that was great for the first about five minutes, and then all of a sudden, out of nowhere, this horrific screeching sound began; we could never quite discern whether it was a murderous monkey or a perterbed parrot!

[Clancy]

Deep breathing exercises are really helpful. They not only relax you in the immediate sense but can also be an effective therapy for dealing with anxiety. It's not hard to learn to do deep breathinhg either and you can add to the relaxing effect by adding incense, candles, stretching, and a nice bubble bath afterwards. Then, you can pour yourself into your bed and dream the night away.

[jenny]

mmmmm... thanks everybody - i will try all of these!

[moimeme]

Nothing like a nice cup of hot chocolate as the evening winds down. The L-Tryptophan in the milk will put you to sleep.

[jenny]

ok, i've bathed, and read, and am currently sipping chocolate. i'm noticably less hyper, but i'm still totally coiled. ok, am now trying nature enyaian music.

i'm sure you all really care, giggles, but it soothes me a bit to post. i'm going to try baking too, apparently the distracting smells help slow down the critical facilities.

[moimeme]

If you were Catholic, I'd suggest saying a rosary. I used to try to say one every night during Lent. Would inevitably fall asleep before the third decade.

[jenny]

i would not mind having something specific to recite. maybe i'll go memorize something, that's not a bad idea, thank you!

evidently i'm never sleeping again. i once got a prescription for this - my dad has trouble sleeping as well, i did not know insomnia could be hereditary- but i hate taking pills like that. it's worse in fall for both of us.

[rush]

try masturbating that might relax you there's nothing like a good orgasim to relax you.

[moimeme]

There is a condition called Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome. If you routinely fall asleep in the wee hours and can't get up in the morning, it might be worth looking into.

Rush: I figured she would have tried that already.

[cindy0039]

Originally posted by moimeme
Rush: I figured she would have tried that already.

Goes without saying, huh Moimeme?

[jenny]

man, a girl starts a couple of orgies and gets a reputation. it's just not fair. or, wait, is this because of the cheerios?

[moimeme]

And here am I, innocent spectator to all these orgies and yet it is I who have been singled out for besmirchification.