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 3 of 5)
41. I know this sounds trite, but I joined a gym. I don't get on the tread mill and walk millions of miles, I do what makes me feel good. I swim. I joined the aquasize group that fun, and then it hit the hot tub and the sauna. I walk out feeling better. If I can't go to the gym then I listen to my favorite music and read a book. It's all a matter of making some time for yourself. It's okay to say no to something that is less than appealing and take time for yourself.
Posted at 6:44PM on May 15th 2008 by Kat
42. 1. Someone else mentioned it, but pets have been documented as stress and depression relievers. Some 'new agers' believe pets also have an instinct for Reiki...I don't know about that, but the dogs do help with stress.
2. Gardening -- the quiet act of planting, being outdoors...the physicality is a stress reliever as well as the environment.
3. EXERCISE -- many of us don't want to acknowledge it, but exercise is also a documented stress outlet. And one that has the lovely benefit of keeping us looking good!
Posted at 6:45PM on May 15th 2008 by shermfa
43. Search for a BeautiControl Spa Girlfriend in your area (you can find a Spa consultant at http://www.beautipage.com). Set up a "free" stress relieving Spa at your home and learn how to relieve stress everyday at home! It works girls.
Posted at 6:46PM on May 15th 2008 by kyleemang
44. I found a fantastic website with 100's of good articles on stress management, www.haplecrone.com.
They are short, to the point and realistic.
Posted at 6:47PM on May 15th 2008 by Smooth Man
45. Stress has gotten a bad name. People have been trained to think it is bad to have stress. Actually, stress is what keeps us alive and functioning. The real issue is that people get upset when they get stresses and try to get rid of it, causing more stress when it doesn't just go away. When one is able to accept stress as a normal part of life it looses it's disbling power and becomes an opportunity to grow. Enjoy!
Posted at 6:51PM on May 15th 2008 by Dan
46. Find a BeautiControl Spa Girlfriend in your area. You can do that by visiting http://beautipage.com. Set up a "free" stress relieving spa in your home. Learn how to relieve stress everyday in your home. This really works girls
Posted at 6:51PM on May 15th 2008 by Kathy
47. get rid of my wife and kids----that would take a lot of stress away.
Posted at 6:53PM on May 15th 2008 by Mikey
48. Punch something. Join a gym and take out some anger or just get a punching bag and use it when you're stressed. =]
Posted at 6:55PM on May 15th 2008 by Kaitlyn
49. I think about my ex-wife. she was the greatest
she was and still is special to me go figure, I remarried and she is remarring another man in August. We were together for 30 years
Posted at 7:00PM on May 15th 2008 by Mike Knott
50. I like Native American spiritual music. It usually involves a flute, which is very relaxing to me. I put an aromatic candle by the head of my bed, and can smell the fragrance all night (unlit of coarse). Also, a couple of big fluffy pillows, and a favorite blanket.
Posted at 7:03PM on May 15th 2008 by Donna
51. The best way to unstress? Pop open an ice-cold beer, get a bag of your favorite chips or whatever, prop your feet up on the deck, front/back porch or wherever it is most pleasant for you and where there are sounds other than nature's sounds. Sit back and relax, watch the clouds, count the stars if it's nighttime, and think about nothing but how nice it would be if you could do this a lot more.
Posted at 7:04PM on May 15th 2008 by jenesis227
52. I go to bed early at night, and get up early in the moring, two hours ahead of my husband, to the things that I enjoy... a cup of coffee, read newspaper, perform my grooming for the day, so I am relaxed before others get up.
Posted at 7:06PM on May 15th 2008 by Phyllis Tuttle
53. #17 Tell your friend to get ear phones for the tv. That way he can enjoy the games and you can enjoy peace and quiet.
Posted at 7:13PM on May 15th 2008 by Deb
54. Generic Xanax, Alprazolam - $4 for a bottle of 30, if you can get your doc to write you a scrip.
Posted at 7:14PM on May 15th 2008 by jbgiraffx
55. Other relaxers:
Classical music with a glass (or bottle) of wine while reclining on the sofa; and, of course, no phones.
Posted at 7:19PM on May 15th 2008 by FreeThinker
56. At the web site traumazapper.com is the right/left technique. It is a self-help method that can relieve stress, trauma, nightmares, flashbacks and anxiety. It is a free site and all the information can be down loaded free.
Posted at 7:22PM on May 15th 2008 by Donald
57. cheerleading is a great way, i go to practice mad and come back happy and feeling great, its also a great and fun workout!
Posted at 7:22PM on May 15th 2008 by Hannah
58. take a vacation.........Short but Sweet
Then come back with a positive attitude.
It worked for me and you could always use a break!
Posted at 7:24PM on May 15th 2008 by bombardier137
59. A good orgasim is great for relaxation.
Posted at 7:33PM on May 15th 2008 by Jenny
60. Dancing especially ZYDECO.. its great therapy for moods too!
Posted at 7:40PM on May 15th 2008 by Lori