What do you do when just want to check out and destress for a little bit?

[T_R_Oglodyte]

For all of my life, my refuge has been music. I have an extensive music library, spanning a wide variety of music varieties. When I want to disengage for awhile, I to either my music library or my Pandora library, where I curated a lot of music types. Depending on my status at the moment, I can go in all kinds of directions - classical, soul/blues/R&B, rock genres, ska/reggae, jazz, bluegrass, meditative (e.g., Wyndham Hill), and others.

That's my respite and refuge from stress. What's yours?

 

[simpsontruckdriver]

Mine is watching orchestra concerts on YouTube. The ones I avoid are cellphone videos from average people, they're usually low quality and they pick up audience sounds. I prefer professionally done videos, with microphones placed in good spots. Like this one, Felix Mendelssohn wrote this for the 300 year anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation by Martin Luther. The final movement is an arrangement of Martin Luther's hymn "A Mighty Fortress" in the style of J.S. Bach (counterpoint).

 

[simpsontruckdriver]

Or this one. L.V. Beethoven, as his hearing was beginning to fade, would go to the countryside on the weekends to relax.

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

Mine is watching orchestra concerts on YouTube. The ones I avoid are cellphone videos from average people, they're usually low quality and they pick up audience sounds. I prefer professionally done videos, with microphones placed in good spots. Like this one, Felix Mendelssohn wrote this for the 300 year anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation by Martin Luther. The final movement is an arrangement of Martin Luther's hymn "A Mighty Fortress" in the style of J.S. Bach (counterpoint).

I didn't think about posting clips or videos, but that's a good idea. Thanks for doing that.

One of my stalwarts is the Credo from Gounod's St. Cecilia Mass - starts at 14:09 in the video. No matter my situation, that piece is always uplifiting.

But it can take a variety of modes. I was prompted to post this thread when I was revisiting the Mean Mistreater jam from Muddy Waters 1960 performance at the Newport Jazz Festival.

What they have in common, as with all of my respite selections, is that no matter my circumstance, they will bring a smile to my face.[/MEDIA]

 

[Ken555]

What's yours?

Isn’t it obvious? I just read TUG.

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

Isn’t it obvious? I just read TUG.

Generally true, but there are times when I need a TUG respite (and I need more than the Far Side thread).

 

[clifffaith]

To quote a “Cathy” comic strip, “Doesn’t anyone eat pie any more?”

 

[AnnaS]

Most likely a walk around the neighborhood. I have also gone for a drive to the beach/mall.

 

[linsj]

I read--mostly mysteries and suspense. Even better if I can read on an oceanview lanai in Hawaii.

 

[SueDonJ]

I hit the sewing room pile of fun projects that have nothing to do with clients or necessary items, just things I’ve seen or thought of that get creative juices flowing, and I switch from SportsTalk Radio to a loud playlist that includes lots of Sonia Dada and select American Idol tracks.

I’ve tried fleeing on a bike ride, which is what works for Don, but I can’t seem to both check out of the real world and pay attention enough to ride safely. In the winter a good walk in a snowstorm works for me, though.

 

[jp10558]

I read something, watch some mindless youtube video essay of some sort or other, or watch something I have been waiting to see.

 

[buzglyd]

Typically it is ride my motorcycle up into the mountains or desert. I’ve been riding less and less after a friend recently got T-boned. My Corvette is my new “motorcycle.” Although it’s harder to pass the slow pokes in a car.

 

[b2bailey]

Am I the only one who will confess to playing a video game?

 

[marmite]

Watch a late-night host like Stephen Colbert on YouTube while on the treadmill. If I have absolutely no motivation then the treadmill part doesn't happen.

 

[HitchHiker71]

Many escapes - music is likely the common theme that underlies most of them. Surfing the web mindlessly - forums in particular like TUG or Tesla/EV, etc., while listening to music to tune out the world around me. Taking a nice drive while blasting music (my truck has a nice Alpine sound system in it). Reading, watching certain TV shows repeatedly, spending time with a handful of close friends that share key interests. Lastly - travel! We take weekend getaways at least once a month primarily using our Wyndham timeshare points and these trips have become our respites from real life for the most part!

 

[Dori]

Sometimes I do crosswords or work on jigsaw puzzles. if they fail to do the trick, I might call up one of my best friends to catch up.

Dori

 

[geist1223]

Play with Finn. All Black GSP. 29 inches at the shoulder and 85 pounds. He loves Chuckit. I have to set a timer. He will do it until he drops

 

[dmbrand]

Listen to a time travel/fantasy audiobook, while I crochet, paint, or walk.

 

[DeniseM]

 

[slip]

I've never really had a lot stress to deal with. When I was working, I enjoyed hunting and fishing. As we got older we traveled more.

Now that we are retired, we keep our trips down to one or two a year, mostly to the other islands. We golf two or three times a week. I enjoy reading and listening to Shortwave radio from around the world and I also enjoy using my telescope for Astronomy. My wife enjoys playing her Ukulele with different groups three times a week.

We are really enjoying our slowed down lifestyle here on Molokai. I probably couldn't slow down much more.

 

[Brett]

Fishing, sailing and golfing a few years ago
But now that I'm retired I don't need 'destressing'

 

[SmithOp]

Go to the beach, ride my bike. When it's nap time I tell Alexa to play my music for 30 minutes, usually all it takes.

 

[Cornell]

Me: physical activity such as the gym. Or getting outside for some fresh air. Listen to a podcast while I take a walk or ride my bike.

 

[Talent312]

Two choices: Hallmark Channel or Animal Planet.

When my doc asked if I was stressed, I replied:
"What's stress? I'm retired."

 

[Glynda]

Listen to an audiobook, play solitaire on my computer, watch Face Book reels.