Do you have a creative outlet that you turn to when you get stressed?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 19:24:10 -0400

What kind of creative outlet do you turn to when you are frustrated or stressed? I've been letting stress get the best of me lately and I think something like this might help. The wife thinks I should pick up the guitar, but she might take that make once she hears me play.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2017 7:36 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 19:36:47 -0400

I strum on the guitar when I get stressed. It works, but like you said, the wife has a rough time of it sometimes!

Response by SSG Diane R. made Aug 7 at 2017 7:37 PM

SSG Diane R. — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 19:37:04 -0400

Running and hiking provide a catharsis for me.

Response by Lt Col Jeff J. made Aug 7 at 2017 7:41 PM

Lt Col Jeff J. — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 19:41:47 -0400

I bought most of my Nikon photography gear in 2011 while I was on my last active duty tour. Looking back, I should have invested the $1,500 for the camera body, camera bag and telephoto lenses much earlier in my military career because I am missing a few years worth of photos during my tours. My advice is if you are interested in photography and looking to reduce stress, invest in a good DSLR camera kit now--you'll thank me later. However, my wife sometimes complains I am gone photographing wildlife too much for several hours at a time but really enjoys my photos--so there are still a few family time trade-offs. But when you score your first American Bald Eagle in flight over your head after spending hours in the wilderness and someone offers to buy your photo, you may realize the benefits of photography include more than just relieving stress--it can also be rewarding!

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Aug 7 at 2017 7:44 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 19:44:31 -0400

Creative, no. My outlets involve engaging in the hobbies I enjoy. If I tried to create something, I'd probably get stressed out when things weren't aligning the way I envisioned.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Aug 7 at 2017 7:44 PM

SFC Stephen King — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 19:44:52 -0400

Lifting Heavy

Response by SFC Stephen King made Aug 7 at 2017 7:45 PM

SFC Stephen King — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 19:45:01 -0400

Drawing

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2017 7:45 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 19:45:12 -0400

Do games count? Lol...

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Aug 7 at 2017 7:45 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 19:45:30 -0400

Minecraft. It's like digital Legos and I have built some incredible worlds. Requires no particular talent or mental or physical stress. The next best stress reliever after a shot of demon rum

Response by SGT Mark Halmrast made Aug 7 at 2017 7:58 PM

SGT Mark Halmrast — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 19:58:45 -0400

Walk through woods with dog.
Write, with a pencil and paper.
Go to a baseball game.

No screen.
Just life...at a different pace.
Eases my mind.

That, and read a little bit from the Bible.

Response by Capt Dwayne Conyers made Aug 7 at 2017 8:13 PM

Capt Dwayne Conyers — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 20:13:00 -0400

My animation...

Response by MAJ Don Bigger made Aug 7 at 2017 9:35 PM

MAJ Don Bigger — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 21:35:43 -0400

Running, shooting at the range, backpacking

Response by Sarah Zayas made Aug 7 at 2017 9:42 PM

Sarah Zayas — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 21:42:23 -0400

Prayer and singing help me under stress as well as weight lifting and boxing.

Response by SSG Dave Johnston made Aug 7 at 2017 10:47 PM

SSG Dave Johnston — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 22:47:17 -0400

Pencil,pen & ink sketch's, a thick tome, solitude, acquired by ignoring "outside" stimuli and seek my core(Zen). As "Doc", there are times... Tried the "bottle" for a while, thank the ("All Father", HE who is not named ) I broke free, the nightmares were worse anyhow.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Aug 8 at 2017 1:02 AM

LT Brad McInnis — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 01:02:17 -0400

I was stressed due to insomnia, finally started deep breathing and meditation. Previously, I had taken every med known with no consistency. Once I started, the dB and meditation, my insomnia and stress levels went way down.

Response by SPC Tony Burch made Aug 8 at 2017 4:27 AM

SPC Tony Burch — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 04:27:35 -0400

During my time in South Korea, I was very stressed about almost everything. The only things that got me through it were the friends I still have today (almost 30 years later), and listening to music. And not just any music, but music that takes you back to a fun and happy time in your life. Plus, a prayer in the morning and at night help alot.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Aug 8 at 2017 5:24 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 05:24:53 -0400

The only outlet I have is, working in my garden , it's fun torturing weeds, and tearing up the soil.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2017 7:41 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 07:41:32 -0400

I usually turn to photography and because I photograph horses, it usually leads to some riding time or cuddles with whichever poor soul comes too close to me and my camera.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2017 7:43 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 07:43:45 -0400

Sir, there are many options to this based on what you listed. You and your wife could cook/bake together and relax by throwing flour at her and making a mess, or you could go for a hike and take pictures of a place that relaxes you. I personally bake or go outside and shoot when I'm stressed. Something to kind of take my mind off everything and release some of what's bothering me.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Aug 8 at 2017 7:56 AM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 07:56:16 -0400

I punch little holes in pieces of paper from around 200 yards away. I'd try for further but that's the longest range I can find to safely do so. The concentration and focus helps me to forget (or at least ignore) the stressors for a little while.

Response by MSG David Johnson made Aug 8 at 2017 12:38 PM

MSG David Johnson — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 12:38:51 -0400

I was fortunate enough to get into class number 2, this organization has been outstanding in getting me out of my comfort zone, and reignited my passion in photography.
Look for this page on Facebook

LightBenders.vets

Response by PO1 Robert Johnson made Aug 8 at 2017 1:49 PM

PO1 Robert Johnson — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 13:49:44 -0400

When I'm feeling stressed, I grab my camping gear and cameras and head to the outdoors for a few days. As for what I photograph, I'm not too fussy; it could be bark patterns on trees, wildlife, whatever catches my eye.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Aug 8 at 2017 3:11 PM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 15:11:55 -0400

Backpacking with a camera... road trips with a dog and a camera... and i write Haiku & Tanka...

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Aug 8 at 2017 11:23 PM

PO1 Kevin Dougherty — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 23:23:08 -0400

Guitar is a good one, any musical instrument is good. Gardening, woodworking, a walk in the back 40 ... writing ... all are good outlets.

Response by Genevieve Walters made Aug 9 at 2017 12:34 PM

Genevieve Walters — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 12:34:07 -0400

We all have high levels of stress and finding constructive, fun, inexpensive way to manage that is a challenge for everyone! Find what speaks to you and if you don't know what that is, go try things. Literally, go give anything that strikes your fancy a go. Some great advice I was once given "try the things you envy other people doing, it indicates that you are drawn to that activity."

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Aug 9 at 2017 12:45 PM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 12:45:29 -0400

I used to write a lot. That's all I wanted to do since I was six actually. My dream when I was six was be a writer or professional basketball player (obviously the latter didn't happen). I haven't done it much in the last few years - the motivation has disappeared. I really think mainly due to when I was with my ex husband and then on top of my daughter's medical stuff. I have ideas - I just am not motivated to get them on paper.

I did do the adult coloring books for awhile. That is actually very relaxing. For me anyway.

I tried to learn to play guitar but I got so frustrated with it I quit - and then one younger brother taught himself and he's pretty good. He said it took him like five years to get there. I don't have the patience he does. I did learn a little of piano from my grandma and had a small keyboard when I was little but I haven't done that in awhile.

I have been into photography since I was a kid and the last few years I've done that more. I'm not a pro but my mom got me a digital camera with some cool effects and I do mostly landscapes or flowers/scenery. I'll go to the gardens here and walk around and take pictures. I get in a good almost 2 mile walk doing that.

Response by AA Joseph Moody made Aug 9 at 2017 1:06 PM

AA Joseph Moody — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 13:06:13 -0400

3d art is a thing, and occasionally this is a hobby that has career impacts as well. One virtue of learning art, traditional or 3d is that you learn to confront many of the perception issues that is hard wired into our brain and to overcome them.

https://www.blender.org/

blender.org - Home of the Blender project - Free and Open 3D Creation Software

Home of the Blender project - Free and Open 3D Creation Software

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2017 1:44 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 13:44:53 -0400

Running going to the range cleaning my gun its just relaxing as well as watching Bob Ross painting videos

Response by SSG Jimmy Cernich made Aug 9 at 2017 4:04 PM

SSG Jimmy Cernich — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 16:04:41 -0400

I go for a walk and pray.Boat riding is soothing to the soul make sure you have enough gas.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Aug 9 at 2017 11:06 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 23:06:10 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member I create eleaborate tapestries of obscenities and profanity, seems to work for me. I tend to want more physical outlets when upset/stressed. I tend to be more creative when I am relaxed and interested.

Rotating 2 minute rounds alternating jump rope, heavy bag, slip drills, shadow box for like 20 minutes. Hit things until all the hate is out.

But I'm me, and you are you. Go with what you are interested in.

Response by MAJ Scott Meehan made Aug 10 at 2017 3:04 PM

MAJ Scott Meehan — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 15:04:37 -0400

I spend time with my grandchildren and I write. As to what I write, please visit https://www.PTSIO.org for details if interested. It is certainly a release.

Response by Andy Van Der Plaats made Aug 10 at 2017 3:25 PM

Andy Van Der Plaats — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 15:25:31 -0400

Lt., I've taken up flying a small R.C. quadcopter, (Hubsan H501s) or as they're more commonly called drone. Mine offers live video feed, GPS, return to home and a number of other features which make even someone like me look like he knows what he's doing. I also spend a good bit of time in the kitchen, cooking/baking up all sorts of things and when I'm not busy with either of those activities I'm here in my office/library, on my computer or enjoying the wealth of information contained in over 850 books on military history.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2017 4:27 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 16:27:50 -0400

Shopping !!!

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Aug 10 at 2017 4:41 PM

MSgt James Mullis — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 16:41:52 -0400

I rarely get stressed these days. However, my creative outlets include brewing beer, making wine, repairing old radios and new computers. I also like to hike 2 to 3 times a week and in my spare time I'm rebuilding an old a-frame cabin, and constructing a private hiking and biking trail around the perimeter of my property.

Response by LT Richard Mondak made Aug 21 at 2017 8:22 AM

LT Richard Mondak — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 08:22:27 -0400

I pick up one of my guitars, whether acoustic or electric, close my eyes and play. There is a well worn Lazy Boy chair in the den where I play and I have been known to peacefully fall asleep... then awakened not so peacefully by a wife or son who have other (not necessarily better) things for me to do.

Response by SP5 Norman McGill made Aug 21 at 2017 12:57 PM

SP5 Norman McGill — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 12:57:32 -0400

I like to build ship models and more ship models and more ship models. I'm running out of room for them but I keep building them. Eases stress very well.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Aug 21 at 2017 2:02 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 14:02:42 -0400

When work starts to back up and become too much like work..

I'll pick though the scrap pile and build a trophy or desk piece.... No demand, no customer expectations, not being paid so I can build it anyway I want, or not....as i see fit. no one but me to disappoint and since since the only goal is to build, Im never disappointed, so long as Im building.

Brewing beer used to be part of that, but Ive advanced in process, and expectation that the outcome will be very good, to the point the process is a bit stressful.

Response by SPC Stanley Robinson made Sep 11 at 2017 9:09 AM

SPC Stanley Robinson — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 09:09:00 -0400

Fishing...any type, any location that has water with fish.

Response by GySgt Eric (DaGunny) Anderson made Oct 6 at 2017 12:33 PM

GySgt Eric (DaGunny) Anderson — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 12:33:07 -0400

I am an artist...it was always my escape from the chaos since 5yrs old. I had the honor of designing and drawing Drawing my platoon 2104, PMI Flag for RR... which was presented to our PMI Instructor because our platoon won the range... OOHHRRAAHH! Also, now attempting to make art my thing and have a Page named "Eric DaGunny's Work of Art"...

Response by SSgt Steve Swiontkowski made Oct 6 at 2017 7:52 PM

SSgt Steve Swiontkowski — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 19:52:39 -0400

I write fiction stories. It keeps me thinking, and lets me vent harmlessly. No one has ever been convicted of killing off their villain in a work of fiction. -grin-

Response by SGT Jim Arnold made Oct 6 at 2017 8:11 PM

SGT Jim Arnold — Fri, 06 Oct 2017 20:11:32 -0400

I self taught myself the fiddle/ violin got fairly good at it. the dogs finally stopped trying to hide or howl

Response by Sgt Dave Young made Oct 7 at 2017 12:53 AM

Sgt Dave Young — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 00:53:44 -0400

Playing helps me. But so does kicking back and listening to music that I like.

Response by PO3 Grant Skiles made Oct 7 at 2017 7:51 AM

PO3 Grant Skiles — Sat, 07 Oct 2017 07:51:27 -0400

Unfortunately it is eating. That is why I have gained so much weight since I have left the military. I am trying to get this bad outlet out of my life. It has been hard because when I was younger I never had a problem eating a lot. This was also due to how active I was and now I am not.

Response by SSG Donald Mceuen made Oct 9 at 2017 11:23 PM

SSG Donald Mceuen — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 23:23:27 -0400

I carve cross's for vets

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2017 11:32 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 23:32:47 -0400

First, you need to bring your stress down by going to the beach no need to spend any money just listen to the sound of the ocean, do what you like not what others want you to do with utmost respect to your wife, play the instrument you love the most

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Oct 10 at 2017 8:26 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 08:26:05 -0400

Sometimes I find just taking a walk helps and also being around people then i can get My mind on other things as I do enjoy the company of others. I also enjoy reading anyway and am again almost done with another book and have more waiting to be read. Even projects around the house, the yard are diversions. Some time in our hot tub and just relaxing can also help. Life always has its ups and downs, We just hope the ups outnumber the downs !

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Oct 10 at 2017 9:16 AM

PO3 Donald Murphy — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 09:16:47 -0400

I build models (ships, tanks, planes, cars, space stuff, etc), play electric guitar and collect foreign bank notes.

Response by SSG Donald Mceuen made Oct 11 at 2017 1:37 AM

SSG Donald Mceuen — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 01:37:02 -0400

I carve crosses for vets