Relaxation Day, August 15 2015, hosted by @DHawks and @KfindingSpeaceK

This forum post is based on the discussion held on August 15th, 2015 at 1:30PM EDT hosted by @DHawks and @KfindingSpeaceK in the Community Room on the topic: Relaxation Day

Disclaimer: Although I (Alicattt) was not able to attend this discussion, I have reviewed the entire transcript and have made an outline on what was discussed to share with everyone!

Relaxation Day Discussion!
Hosted by @DHawks and @KfindingSpeaceK
Outlined by @Alicattt

IceBreaker: What kind of animals make you happy and why?

Im a big fan of animals, and believe that they can help with stress and make great companions. Its pretty safe to say that everyone has a favorite animal, even if it isnt the typical cat or dog. The answers to the icebreaker varied quite a bit, so heres the toll:

Cat: 4 (@courageousTiger3621, @LightACandle, @KfindingSpeaceK, @BlueHappyMoon)

Tiger: 2 (@BlueHappyMoon, @Tansy25)

Owl: 1 (@BlueHappyMoon)

Turtle: 1 (@Lulu2015)

Dog: 1 (@DHawks)

Birds: 1 (@assfora)

Although probably the best answer was: All animals. A turtle could bring me joy. by @Lulu2015!

Personally, I have four pugs (all rescues), so I had to include the pug comments!

I had a pug once. His name was phil. He was a lovebug. @Lulu2015

Pugs are very lazy, but cute. @DHawks

Pugs look like little cinnamon buns with faces. They're the cutest things ever. @KfindingSpeaceK

Pugs look weird to me… @LightACandle

Even though this isnt pug related, its worth quoting: I heard someone say Chihuahuas are 10% mean, 90% shaking. @LightACandle

Discussion Questions

What is your favorite way to relax?

Relaxing is important for everyone. But the way people relax is unique to everyone. It seems like meditation was one of the most mentioned, despite my personal favorite: music. Here were the ways mentioned during the chat:

@DHawks: the beach

@LightACandle: music/video games/friends

@GayartiRajapatni: warm bath/reading

@Lulu2015: meditation/massage

@Frantastic7: photography

@BlueHappyMoon: walking in the rain/meditation

@OverPouringCup: meditation/bike/beach/friends/coffee/swings

@assfora: music

@courageousTiger3621: cats/baths

I definitely listen to meditative music/rain sounds and meditate. It helps me accept the thoughts that are coming into my mind without letting them affect me. @KfindingSpeaceK

These days I relax by hanging out at 7 cups. @GayatriRajapatni

Singing is definitely a good way to destress especially when you know all of the lyrics. @KfindingSpeaceK

We all have certain environments or things called "stressors" that may cause a buildup of large amounts of stress. What environment makes you feel the most stressed?

Knowing your stressors is key to reducing your stress. Trying to avoid these places, or better ways to cope when in these situations will help you reduce your stress levels. Here were some of the places mentioned in the discussion:

@LightACandle: large crowd

@Lulu2015: airplanes/holidays

@Tansy25: work

@SavnSody: having no control

@BlueHappyMoon: outside

@PenguinPizzaLove: competitiveness

@Ashley18pisces: traveling

"The environment I feel most stressed is probably one where I'm completely out of control... Like in class room, crowded places, places where I can't really do anything about it" @KfindingSpeaceK

In what kind of environment do you feel the most relaxed?

Finding places that you feel relaxed is just as important as finding places that are stressors. Except if its somewhere relaxing, you should spend more time there, not less! Heres some of the places people found relaxing:

@LightACandle: quiet room

@SavnSody: bed

@BlueHappyMoon: tropical weather/winter/christmas

@Lulu2015: nature

@OverPouringCup: storms

I feel relaxed when I am in a dark place by myself. @DHawks

My relaxation spot is probably outside in my backyard during the fall, when the weather is cold, but not too cold nor too warm. @KfindingSpeaceK

I like to be in nature cause it has no walls or boundaries. It just does its own thing. Feeling free. @SavnSody

Cool weather means I'm happy. Hot makes me cranky. @Lulu2015

What are some negative responses to stress?

Stress affects everyone in different ways. Although some of the most common are headaches, panic attacks, and trouble sleeping. Here are some of the negative responses that were mentioned:

@Lulu2015: anxiety attacks

@KfindingSpeaceK: headaches

@LightACandle: laziness

@OneTimeISawTonyDanza: concentration loss/insomnia/mood swings

@BlueHappyMoon: nail/lip biting/shaking/migraine

@reliablePrune2735: sleep

Do you think stress is more physical or mental?

While most peoples immediate thought was that stress is more mental, after talking a bit more the group seemed to decide that it is a mix of both. It may start mental, but as it continues it spreads to physical effects as well.

I consider it both. It starts as a mental state that causes you to deteriorate physically as a result @OneTimeISawTonyDanza

Mental then turns physical @Lulu2015

Is stress always bad or can it be good as well? If yes, in what way?

Answers to this question were similar to before, it was a mixed feeling. Stress is only good in small amounts, not enough to be overwhelming, but enough to push you into getting things done.

I think stress can be a good thing that pushes you through something @LightACandle

Stress can be both good and bad. For some, stress can be a motivator to do better, or work faster. Of course, that may lead to more stress, which is bad. @KfindingSpeaceK

Stress can be good but too much of it can be bad. Well everything that is too much is bad. @BlueHeaven

Without some sort of resistance to your happiness you can't learn problem solving @OneTimeISawTonyDanza

Relaxation can come from every single one of your senses. What is your favorite sense to use in relaxation?

Sight: 1 (@OneTimeISawTonyDanza)

Touch: 3 (@Lulu2015 @SavnSody @rokaa)

Hearing: 3 (@Lulu2015 @LightACandle @OneTimeISawTonyDanza)

Smell: 2 (@SavnSody @OverPouringCup)

Taste: 1 (@mobbsy)

I tend to use multisensory relaxation. Light incense - smell, listen to music - hearing. Sight - pull up a relaxing video. Sometimes I'll even eat my favorite food - taste. And afterward, I'll cuddle with my pets. - touch. @KfindingSpeaceK

Based off of the previous question: Since most of us love music, what is your favourite song (or genre) to loosen up and relax to?

Hakuna Matata @OverPouringCup

Rock @LightACandle

Classical @Lulu2015

Jazz @KfindingSpeaceK

Adele @rokaa

Hakuna Matata is the motto of my life. @DHawks

In your own words, how would you describe the sensation of relieving all of your stress after becoming relaxed?

This question led to quite an array of answers, some not as appropriate as others. But it was an interesting mix of metaphors, descriptions, and sensations to read through.

@LightACandle: taking a shower

@Lulu2015: good goosebumps

@DHawks: massage

@OneTimeISawTonyDanza: getting in a hot tub

I feel physically and mentally lighter, like someone took 20 pounds off of me. @KfindingSpeaceK

Since today is Relaxation Day, what are you going to do to relax?

It was only right to see what everyone would be up to on this special day!

@SuperSquirrel: shopping

@DHawks: pizza

@LightACandle: work out/ice cream

@SavnSody: shave/eat

@OneTimeISawTonyDanza: coffee/walk dog

@Lulu2015: clean/meditate

@KfindingSpeaceK: walk/meditate

@rokaa: friends

@PrinceSoul: music

@OverPouringCup: bike

@Anggi: read

Napping is gold to insomniacs @Lulu2015

If you had to use a quote (either from you or another person) to help relax yourself, what would you say?

Id have to say this was the best part of the discussion! There were so many good answers, I just had to include them all!

Be naughty when you wanna relax, and if someone is around. @PrinceSoul

Hakuna Matata, no worries, live life solid! @DHawks

Happiness is a habit. @Lulu2015

"This situation is not permanent, there will be change. @KfindingSpeaceK

Hard work creates a successful person. @rokaa

Go out and be adventurous. Don't let your fears get in the way. @SavnSody

Or just put on your big girl panties and roooooaaaaarrrrrrr! @SavnSody

"Screw all these things because usually it's something that's stressing me out and I just want to get rid of them v.v @LightACandle

"Pajamas all day! @Anggi

Care less, more happy. @SuperSquirrel

A huge thank you to @DHawks and @KfindingSpeaceK for hosting this great discussion, and a big thank you to everyone who participated!

Participant list: @LightACandle, @OverPouringCup, @Lulu2015, @courageousTiger3621, @BlueHappyMoon, @assfora, @Tansy25,@GayartiRajapatni, @Frantastic7, @SavnSody, @PenguinPizzaLove, @Ashley18pisces, @OneTimeISawTonyDanza, @reliablePrune2735, @rokaa, @BlueHeaven, @Turtles1991, @lovingFriend567, @PrinceSoul, @Anggi, @mobbsy, @SuperSquirrel