How do you handle the stress?

**Retmilleo909** · 04-30-08, 10:38 PM

After putting in 8-10 or more hours a day ( sometimes more on holidays) chasing 80-100 and plus mph. hot rodders, cyclists, drunks, dope-heads, responding to accidents and all the other things you have to cope with on a daily basis...How do you as a LEO, relax and unwind at the end of a shift? And, those of you who are blue/white collar workers, store clerks, nurses, students, waitresses, etc.who have to fight traffic, rude drivers, the glaring sun, obnoxious customers, rising gas prices, arguing spouses, etc. 5 or more days a week. What do you do to relax and recover at the end of a busy and stressful day?
A $500.00 an hour psychologist, or psychiatrist, sitting in his or her plush office with a diploma lined wall, who has never suffered a moment of real stress, would probably give you a professional sympathetic look, a prescription and tell you to leave your problems at work and don't take them home with you. This is a lot easier said than done, coming from someone who has picked up his/her knowledge from books and has probably never suffered stress, other than from perhaps a bout with constipation.
We had our share of problems back when I worked local LE but nothing like they are today.We didn't have to write reports on anything other than felonies, death involved incidents and vehicle accidents. Misdemeanors were reported to the desk sergeant and he would make a note of it on the blotter. We didn't have to read the Miranda warning to suspects, didn't have to worry about the ACLU getting involved, didn't have to contend with defense attorneys unless a felony was committed, didn't have to worry about a subject with a knot on his head complaining of police brutality and many of the other problems you have to cope with practically every working day. Also, traffic back then was only a fraction of what it is today.

**Willowdared** · 04-30-08, 11:26 PM

When I was single, and working the corporate jungle, my cat always met me at the door. Just seeing her meowing for me at the door was an instant decompress.

She also would stand on my back and "knead" my shoulders for me.

Now, I have my wonderful son, and my Mom's dogs are always good for a therapeutic cuddle.

**MacLean** · 05-01-08, 12:03 AM

I read. Anything and everything I can find.

I shoot. 100 rounds per week minimum.

I play with the kids.

I ride my motorcycle.

I dink around on the intarweb.

There is always something to do with stress energy.

**Just KC** · 05-01-08, 12:20 AM

I hit the gym, listen to my ipod, go running......and when all else fails, alcohol =D

**MacLean** · 05-01-08, 01:47 AM

Originally Posted by Just KC

I hit the gym, listen to my ipod, go running......and when all else fails, alcohol =D

Woot! Raises a glass to KC.

**Code6** · 05-01-08, 02:26 AM

I work out in the gym, go shooting, play with my kids. Go hiking, Hunting, fishing. Occassionally I'll have an adult beverage. My work outs in the gym are probably the best stress reliever, because my work outs include cardio, weights and the heavy bag.

**deputy29** · 05-01-08, 02:34 AM

I go shooting, hiking, fishing, horseback riding or just work in the yard.

**jcsdscott** · 05-01-08, 04:47 AM

Usually cuddle with my kids, listen to my daughter tell me about what she saw out the window, read my Bible, hit the gym, talk to the wife, etc...

**Shoestring** · 05-01-08, 06:30 AM

Love playing and hanging with my boy and wife (well for the most part

)

**Wolven** · 05-01-08, 06:32 AM

Originally Posted by Just KC

I hit the gym, listen to my ipod, go running......and when all else fails, alcohol =D

+1!!!

Nothing like a good run. A good book. Or a really good, ice cold beer.

I also work with my horses. Although sometimes riding my big boy creates some stress for me when he is feeling a bit snarky..as he is over 6 foot at the back and almost 1400#...getting launched is NOT fun.

(oh..and really good sex can be super relaxing)

**mavriktu** · 05-01-08, 07:29 AM

STRESS???????WHAT STRESS???????????????????

**dapples** · 05-01-08, 07:48 AM

Originally Posted by PDawg

When I was single, and working the corporate jungle, my cat always met me at the door.

My cat always greets me too......during Katrina aftermath, she was wild because we had Mav's daughter, hubby, 2 children and 2 dogs....generators running all night....chain saws/ trucks flying down our street ( it became a thruway because all the other roads were blocked with downed ulility poles/trees/etc)......No one could understand...that seeing her every evening about 5 ish was my "normalcy"....it helped me cope with all the other crap going on around us at the time.....

Having her purr and curl up in your lap has always been a great stressed reliever........that and chocolate

**Jenna** · 05-01-08, 09:19 AM

Hanging out on O/R is usually good for relieving stress (at least on days when there are no polls about me

).

**Willowdared** · 05-01-08, 10:44 AM

I also used to power walk - I really need to start that up again.

**Retmilleo909** · 05-01-08, 11:51 AM

It looks like all of you good folks have learned to handle stress pretty well.

It stresses the heck out of me, to drive my wife to see one of her doctors, who's office is located in the middle of downtown Atlanta

**CTR man** · 05-01-08, 11:23 PM

Pets are a great stress reliever. The unconditional love that they show is phenomenal and much needed in this world of stress that we deal with on a daily basis. My cats are always ready for a good head rub and their purring is very comforting. Some will come and visit and curl up on your lap and even sleep with you if you let them.

I joined a vanpool to commute to work so I don't have to deal with the traffic. Its easier to let someone else do it.

I come here to unwind and communicate with you all because you guys just seem to understand. After dealing with the dregs of society on a daily basis it must be refreshing to just hang with those on the right side of the fence.

I try to get out in the outdoors just to marvel at Gods creations and if I can't do that then I will look at pictures to keep me in a calm mood.

Sometimes a good refreshing nap or spending time with friends can do wonders, too.

**Just KC** · 05-01-08, 11:27 PM

Originally Posted by Wolven

+1!!!

Nothing like a good run. A good book. Or a really good, ice cold beer.

I also work with my horses. Although sometimes riding my big boy creates some stress for me when he is feeling a bit snarky..as he is over 6 foot at the back and almost 1400#...getting launched is NOT fun.

(oh..and really good sex can be super relaxing)

The #1 stress reliever....with or without the partner

**jcsdscott** · 05-02-08, 03:34 AM

Originally Posted by Wolven

+1!!!

Nothing like a good run. A good book. Or a really good, ice cold beer.

I also work with my horses. Although sometimes riding my big boy creates some stress for me when he is feeling a bit snarky..as he is over 6 foot at the back and almost 1400#...getting launched is NOT fun.

(oh..and really good sex can be super relaxing)

And that my friends is definitely deserving of a +1!