The exercise is something I believe in as well but I am terribly inconsistent. When I doing well, I am doing well but if there is a break it's hell to get started again. I find I overeat sometimes when I am stressed as well but the thing with that is that it only adds to your stress when you realise you are piling on pounds.
I play video-games to relieve stress. However, there did come a time when my stress reliever also turned into an addiction. Whenever I lost games, I'd rage and break things. Now, I learned to manage my anger and not let the video games get the best out of me.
Other ways to deal with stress: - Doing anything you love. If painting is your thing, do it and it will relieve the stress. - Kick perfectionism out the window. No one is perfect. We all make mistakes. That should always be kept in mind. When we do make mistakes it's not something that should stress us. Focus instead on how you'll deal with the outcome in a positive way. - Play with your pet. - Buy yourself an inexpensive gift. - "Sleep off" the stress.
Anything I enjoy, alone, is a stress reliever for me. Just getting to read, or watch one show I like, or just look at Facebook on my own time makes me feel like I can slow down and nothing's being demanded of me. It's pretty important for me to get my alone time every day.
Sleep is my stress relief. It is almost as if my body knows it too as it begins to shut down after an enormous amount of stress. I find that I can deal with almost anything after a good night slumber. Even an afternoon nap helps! It is my body's way of rejuvenating itself, I guess.
I like to listen to music, work out, or write. Music can uplift me and inspire me and it can help me get my emotions out. If i'm really angry, I love heavy metal because its relatable and I can be angry along to angry songs. Somehow I come out on the other side feeling better. Working out also helps you whenever you're down. When I finish a workout, my energy level is up and my adrenaline is pumping. I feel good about myself and therefore am in a good mood. Writing is very calming. I am normally not a writer but its really calming to get all of your thoughts out of your head and down onto paper. The steady movement of writing slows my heart rate if its racing and I can breathe slower and easier.
I really think that sports can really help. Because in order to be good at one you must instill discipline to achieve it. And discipline is one thing that can help fight stress in order to stop yourself from being addicted to something. Stress really adds up to peoples moods and behavior. I think it's a big factor why people try to abuse something that's not good for them. So I think avoiding stress by indulging into sports activities can really help someone fight the urge to do something bad for them.
I usually listen to music to relieve stress, or play some World of Warcraft. I also love going in the woods and chilling there, as it's so quiet and there are usually no people out there. I got rid of my stress issues this way.