I sand the surface with 220 grit then apply two coats of acrylic enamel. While the paint is still wet, pock the surface in random locations with a blunted nail and score here and there with a dull screwdriver. When dry, I coat with a thinned down acrylic matte black then wipe with damp rag to smear into cracks and expose the color. Finish with a good polyurethane.

Doomscrolling.

Very badly.

You probably never heard of it, but I shitpost on this obscure technology forum called Lemonworld or something on things I would never admit to in public.

It's great, I'm something of a celebrity over there.

Videogames help. Or a longboard and music. Drive and music.

I remember that despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage. I think of it as the pumpkins' version of the serenity prayer.

…you guys destress?

Fuck if I know. Closest I can think of is being alone.

You're looking at it.

Laughter helps a lot. But if I'm consuming a ton of media, it's sometimes better to just take a break and drink water while doing nothing else. I also have mantras about life like: "if I have my family, I'm ok", "home can be anywhere", "nothing in life is more important that food, shelter, water", etc. Sometimes I worry about bills, future costs, etc. But worrying doesn't always make it easier. A little bit of worry keeps me from ignoring finances all together. But too much worry isn't helping. If you can free yourself from worrying about money, you'd be surprised how much weight gets lifted. I'm privileged because I have family and friends that I love. If I ever hit hard times, I know I have a home with them. Reminding myself of that keeps me from staying up all night with worry.

Playing videogames, mostly, but reading fiction is another. Cleaning open-endedly while listening to music, as well. Primal screaming.

They all work pretty well as long as I pick the right kind of videogame.

Quiet walks

I found a YouTube channel that discusses philosophy called Einzelgänger about a year ago and it helped change my whole perspective on life. I get stressed a lot less frequently now, but when am stressed listening to his videos calms me down better than anything else ever has. I've bought and read many of the books he talks about and look forward to buying new ones. My favorite authors so far are Arthur Schopenhauer and Albert Camus. I also recommend Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, the Tao-te Ching by Lao Tzu, and anything from Seneca or Epictetus.

weed. Sopranos, Law & Order, American Dad, whatever I'm in the mood for.

A video game where you and a rotating groups of strangers each pretend you're cars that are playing soccer.

I used to scream at passing trains, they didn't seem to mind. But now none of them come around.

Finding joy in the small things. The way my dog stretches, smiling at a stranger, smelling a flower, a nice cup of coffee, a smile from a stranger, etc. Making the time and going out of my way for these small moments of joy is important to me.

workout

You'll be positive and will start to think what to do next

Check out weedtime 👍

Cooking

Edible (currently Drops cranberry) and a beer (currently Rogue honey kolsch)

Play a game (currently co-op Stardew Valley with the wife)

Wanking.

Varies on where I'm at. One thing I can do no matter where I happen to be is allow my body to lose its tension. This is a learned skill. Focus your mind on preferably a major muscle to start, and just will it to begin relaxing. I like imagining I'm becoming more liquid and that the stress I'm holding is draining away. It's a lighter, though similar, feeling you get when your body is just exhausted and you lay down.

This is a part of a series of coping mechanisms I'll choose from when my anxiety begins to peak.

Physical activity. Going to the gym or going for a run. Watch movies/series. Lazing around while telling myself that it's ok not to be productive.

Hot tub:

Browsing the internet while drinking alcohol.

Unfortunately, it works really well. Can't keep up the alcohol thing forever.

Day Z with a friend till I hate everything about every thing. And therapy twice a month.

It depends.

If I am anxious or upset, vigorous exercise works best. Exhausting my body settles my mind.

If I am burned out from work but can't relax, a drink on the porch with my husband helps to unwind.

If I cannot sleep, yin yoga is the best. Slow cold yoga with lots of forward folding.

Video games

Notice what's causing the stress and do something to help. Sometimes through meditation, breathing, stretching, exercise, sex, massage, good food, water, sleep, fresh air, sunlight, or some combination. In general you can change your environment or change your mind.

The best ways I've found:

Going for a run with music Doing VR Boxing Taking a nice long shower.

Playing dota is my escapism habit that is VERY counterproductive for destressing... I'm trying to start making music again as a substitution.

weed, cigarettes, caffeine. lots of it 😅

Sharpening/polishing knives and tools. No music or videos, just the sharpening. Water stone and warm water too.

It's cathartic to do a good job sharpening and spending the time to get a good result. Especially when you get to the buttery smooth finishing stones. They're quiet but have, quiet, subtle sounds that are relaxing to listen to.

Snorting cocaine and going to grab a street hooker..