What are some good ways for stress reduction? I will start by saying exercise reduces stress.

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Smoking usually works for me, but I am definitely not recommending that you take it up for that - or any other - purpose.
However, stretching out in the recliner, putting on the headphones, closing your eyes, and listening to Beethoven's Ninth Symphony is one I would highly recommend. (Beethoven's Ninth is my absolute favorite piece of music...you may substitute whatever suits you.)

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I'm suffering from delusions of adequacy.

I honestly believe meditation is the best way to relieve stress. And studies are showing it to be true. But like everything worthwhile, it isn't a quick fix. It is a whole lifestyle change.

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The only constant in this universe is change. Are you ready to change??

How about his Concerto for violin and Orchestra in D opus61? would that rank a close second?

Barring that how about some nice chocolate chip cookies out of the oven, a nice french roast coffee and a good book?

Peace

Mark

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An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth, and the whole world will be blind and toothless-M.K. Ghandi

I'm sorry, but second place is reserved for my next favorite piece: Pachelbel's Canon in D, followed very closely by Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring. I will give a listen to Beethoven's Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, however.
And about those fresh-from-the-oven chocolate chip cookies? A capital idea...even when you're not stressed!!

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I'm suffering from delusions of adequacy.

I beleive that classical music is the best for stress relief for me. I love it all but seem to be drawn to the pieces that are rather sad as of late. My all time favorite when I want a good cry is Samuel Barber's Addagio for strings. I cry till I am spent and all the stress has left me and then I sleep the deep sleep of release. Antonin Dvorak's String Quartet in F major Opus 96 "American" second movement is another slightly meloncholy and mournful tune, but I love it.
Classical music will lift you to wonderous heights, hold you there, make you smile and then gently allow you to drift slowly down or plunge you headfirst into the depths. Oh man what power there is in music! Sorry about that folks.

So where are those cookies?

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Imagine all the people living life in peace,...John Lennon

Don't look at me. I don't do much cookiing. I agree about the classical music. It not only reduces stress, but it gives power. I listened to it a lot when I quit smoking. There is a book the Mozart Effect by Don Campbell, which discusses Mozart's music. People who listened to certain Mozart pieces before school tests, scored higher on the tests.

Now someone can write a book on The Chocolate Chip Cookie Effect.

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You know, now that you mention it, I recall a study once that determined that crying is a good stress reliever. I don't remember the details, but something to do with the toxins carried out of the body with the tears yada yada blah blah something else..... [Wow, talk about powerful debating skills! Look at me go!]

Oh well, that was a long time ago and has probably been refuted by several other studies since. It may be considered unhealthy now. (But, if it is just wait another year or so and it will be healthy again.)

Hey, did someone mention cookies?

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I'm suffering from delusions of adequacy.

If I feel that stress is affecting me, I just avoid what caused it. Sound simplicistic, but it works for me.

How about the Duet from Laksme, sublime, or the passion of Carmen. I like Opera, but by know means all of it. Personally, I find a xanax does help as well....


Ian