My girlfriend called me the other day all stressed out because she just started a new job and, on top of that, she's trying to plan for her July wedding. Her stressful new job is causing her to stay up late, overeat and smoke more than ever before. It's also putting a damper on her relationship with her fiancé -- not a good way to start a marriage.
After some consoling words of "everything is going to be fine," we hung up the phone and I began to wonder, "How do some people lead stress-free lives?" Some people seem to be able to handle every conflict and overloaded to-do list with ease, leaving the rest of us envious of their stress-free lifestyle.
Today, I set out to find their secrets. I decided to look at what our top searched stress-relieving products are on AOL Search. Before my search, I thought expensive things like spa gift certificates for massages and facials would be the most searched, but I was surprised to find that simple things like lighting a candle or brewing some tea for relaxation are even more common. In the end, it looks like candles, tea, hammocks and water fountains are at the top.
Do you know of any good stress-relieving products that did not show up on our list? If so, please tell us about them. If you're looking to reduce stress in your life, check out AOL Shopping or try searching for stress relievers on AOL Search.
Top Searched Stress-Relieving Products on AOL Search:
1. Candles
2. Tea
3. Hammocks
4. Water Fountains
5. Wind Chimes
6. Massage Tables
7. Wind Spinners
8. Stress Balls
9. Eye Masks
10. Aromatherapy Diffusers
More Sponsored Links For: candles, scented candles, soy candles
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 5)
21. I just learned how to meditate a couple of months ago, and I have to say that it is incredibly relaxing. If you can visualize "energy cords" going down from your feet and in to the earth, to a GREAT source of peace and pure energy, the feeling is incredible. With every inhale of breath imagine peaceful energy coming from within the Earth into your feet, up your legs, through your body and out through the top of your head. It is truly relaxing and peaceful! What people really need to remember is to TAKE THE TIME to relax. I'm from New York and have been stressed out and in a constant rush since I can remember. But we all have to take the time to sit down and just take in a little peace, otherwise "life" will pass by before you know it.
Take Care All
Posted at 5:22PM on May 15th 2008 by laura
22. LAVENDER stress balls -Try combining many of your top ten suggestions in one power-packed stress reducer. Not only is it a stress ball, giving you something to squeeze and physically take out your frustrations, but the more you squeeze the ball, the more you release the soothing fragrance of lavender-Double Duty!
www.lavenderluvies.com
Posted at 5:24PM on May 15th 2008 by lavenderluvies
23. Stress reliever..small amount of Vodka, with soda,
dimmers in the bathroom, taking a warm bath with bath salts, bubbles..put a cloth over your eyes.
This is what helps me cope with the insanity of baseball watching by my partner.
Starts at 4am (I kid you not) with the sports channel on the Radio..people screaming insults, with ugly quality voices.....and for what??
Nothing changes who wins, who looses, who the heck cares..the day is just the same.
Oh,best part continues at dinner time when the radio is again screaming and the TV with baseball is on now in addition with the exact game..and the exact same time.
Glad that my ears can determine who is speaking about what and to whom..since I am forced to listen to 2 programs running loudly at the same time..while I am entitled to sit down in peace and enjoy my evening...after working all day.
No one cares..as long as the favorite team hits a score and people can shout and yell louder.
That makes my day..
How about you!
Of course when it comes down to my enjoyment such as skating, singing, listening to Joshy, that's never put on the fron burner.
Wow! how did I get so lucky???
Love it so much when they spit or pick at themselves in nasty private places..good for my appetite, then it never fails that they do that while I am dining.
Or the umpire calling for a faul, or whatever.
So much fun, it truly makes my day.
Hey why don't they start a new war..these fights and
aggressions are what wars are all about, these games
are right in line with that.
Shutting it off, is not my call, I have forfeited that priviledge, then the othert person rules and has the upper hand.
But just wait, my time is coming..where things will change for the better..In the meantime I have to continue to swallow the bitter pill every single day., and keep listening to a big waste of time and effort.
Good that the teams give to charity, that does not make the special, others do the same.
That so much for listening.
Vodka here I come! of course in moderation, I am not going to become a drunk over this stupid games year after bloody year....
It is not worth it any any cost.
Posted at 5:26PM on May 15th 2008 by dumbed1
24. http://www.lavenderluvies.com
Posted at 5:26PM on May 15th 2008 by lavenderluvies
25. I have had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and FIBROMYALGIA for 21 years, and for me what works best and most naturaly is to think of a place that really was enjoyable for me. That was the beaches at Brookings Oregon. I spent enough time there to be able to lie down or if I cant lie down, then just sit and visualize that place, including the sounds, smells, the sites everything about it.. and when you get good at it... you can transport yourself there for however long it takes you to get relaxed. It used to take me 30 minutes to find that zone, now I can be in it for 5 mintues and the anxst and pain all go away. I also have lavender oil going in my house at all times which is relaxing. I don't need meds, no matter how bad things get, as long as i remember to go to any happy place!
Posted at 5:27PM on May 15th 2008 by kat
26. How about soothing music and meditation together? I have an entire toolbox of spiritual tools designed for the ultimate in relaxation, stress release, help in sleeping, Automatic Chakra Balance (TM) and vibrational attunement of mind, body, and spirit. Start with a free angel card reading and go from there. Please visit and find all you need to calm, quiet, and soothe every part of your being. http://www.voiceoftheangels.com
Posted at 5:34PM on May 15th 2008 by Dyan
27. I also teach high school. for the most part, my students are a source of pride and joy; however, dealing with the corruption and stupidity of our district administrators both enrages me and depresses me. I take a lot of hot, fragrant bubble baths, walk, meditate and sip a wee bit of wine. Still, the stress cannot always be tamed. I can't afford massages, so the suggestion to use the schools is excellent. I also believe in herbal teas and aromatherapy, but breathing is probably the quickest, most simple way to calm one's self. It's just hard to remember the mantra: "Just Breathe" as the world crumbles around our ears.
Godspeed, and good luck to all of us who keep doing the right thing in spite of it all!
Posted at 5:37PM on May 15th 2008 by Rene Diedrich
28. #17, not for nothing, but doesn't your house have a door??? Very easy...you pack your stuff and "go". That is the greatest stress relief of all....geez.
Posted at 5:44PM on May 15th 2008 by Luv_LT_56
29. I've always used the most common methods, ie exercise, diet, message, etc. But what keeps me stress free is an "inside-job". I rely on a tremendous amount of Faith. Being filled with the Spirit is the greatest of stress relievers EVER!
Posted at 5:45PM on May 15th 2008 by Susie Loucks
30. I use essential oils to combat stress. Their fragrance and unique molecular structure directly stimulate the limbic lobe of the brain.
For a relaxing bath, I add a 5-10 drops of essential oil to 1/4 cup of Epsom salts or bath gel and then add this mixture under a running faucet.
Using a cold air diffuser, I diffuse lavender or peppermint essential oil into the air to relax the body, relieve tension, and clear the mind. This also reduce microbes and unpleasant odors.
If I'm away from home, I add several drops of essential oil to a spray bottle, add 1 cop of water, and shake. I use this to mist my entire house, workplace, or car.
I use therapeutic grade essential oils, offered by Young Living at: http://www.youngliving.org/fdurham.
Posted at 5:45PM on May 15th 2008 by Faye Durham
31. I also have CFS and FM for 20 years.Massages are great plus warm bath soak in epsom salts,baking soda and a few drops of lavender oil.
Posted at 5:51PM on May 15th 2008 by sandy
32. Stress relief? Win the lottery.
Posted at 5:53PM on May 15th 2008 by dryan73072
33. Learn about mind-body approaches to stress reduction that are known and not so well known in the book "Effortless Wellbeing: the Missing Ingredients for Authentic Wellness", by Evan Finer. You will benefit dramatically, period.
Posted at 5:54PM on May 15th 2008 by Van
34. Try Xanax it works better then everything mentioned
Posted at 6:00PM on May 15th 2008 by clancy3908
35. Learn EFT, it is impossible to stay stressed out if you use this technique. If you have chronic pain it also relieves pain. your thoughts and emotions can set you up for pain, illness and then later hit you at your weakest genetic link and cause disease. You use EFT , which is a form of accupressure without the needles, to unblock a disruption in your energy system.you see we are energy. most pain and stress is caused by your thoughts.this technique is so simple that most people just don't believe it works,they would rather take drugs, because that is what we have all been indoctrinated to do.
Posted at 6:02PM on May 15th 2008 by Lin Nein
36. Amazing what 8 shots of scotch and punching a homeless guy can do.
Posted at 6:06PM on May 15th 2008 by RockSalt
37. A clean house, don't put things off, if the house is a mess , dishes, dirty clothes, un made bed, it all makes me nuts, theres nothing like comeing home to a clean house then light a candle or inscense and relax.
Posted at 6:15PM on May 15th 2008 by Tina
38. EXERCISE.
Posted at 6:19PM on May 15th 2008 by Kimberly Hak
39. I have lived for 65 years in households that included cats, dogs, stables, even an aviary once. I agree with Lauren that acquiring a dog or cat, terrifically undergirding to the soul eventually, is best for those who know how to do it. Otherwise, it's going to be just like having a new baby.
I notice that the preponderance of suggestions are very passive--good for some, disastrous for those who tend to think when idle.
I have found that actively creative pursuits relax and satisfy most, but they mustn't be related to you job or other responsibilities (In retirement, I do have trouble restraining myself from rushing with un-sought medical, if I hear somebody cough resonantly, and so own).
After all that, when you can't think any longer, the passive things can be lovely. Paul
Posted at 6:23PM on May 15th 2008 by Paul Traywick
40. When in a stressful situation and believe me I have many stressful moments! I always ask my self, how important is it? Sometimes there are several important happenings going on, so I'll change the question, how important is it this minute? Sometimes we, (people), can get bogged down with all the 'stuff'. Training oneself to identify a truly important element or task and accomplishing that can be a stress reliever in and of itself. That's my 2 cents! Good Luck!
Posted at 6:33PM on May 15th 2008 by vmcfarland22