Stress management that isn't meditation or running

Aaron W.Regular

Jan 11·1 min read

I keep seeing posts about yoga and morning runs. I hate both those things. What I actually do that works:

20 min of woodworking in the garage after kids sleep (feels productive AND meditative somehow)
One weeknight I go to the batting cages alone while my wife has the kids
Saturday morning coffee by myself before anyone wakes up
Occasionally just... admit I'm not okay and take a mental health day

None of this is Pinterest-worthy but it keeps me functional. What actually works for you?

6 comments390 views

Comments(6)

JJosh H.RegularJan 11

Same boat here. I found that shooting hoops in the driveway for 20 minutes does more for my mental health than a full yoga class ever did. Just need something that doesn't feel like a chore.

DDerek T.New DadJan 11

Cooking is my thing. Put on some music, focus on the prep work, and I'm in a totally different headspace by the time I'm done. Plus you get food out of it.

MMike R.RegularJan 12

What do you end up doing instead? Genuinely asking because I hate those activities too and I'm tired of feeling like a failure when meditation doesn't work for me.

NNeil C.RegularJan 11

The whole wellness industry is pushing the same tired advice. Not everything works for everyone and that's fine.

MMatthewNew DadJan 13

Video games for like 30 minutes a day keeps me sane. Not the worst coping mechanism and honestly it's better than scrolling Reddit for an hour.

AArchie K.RegularJan 13

Working on my car or just tinkering in the garage has become my stress relief. Gets me away from screens and I actually feel productive afterward. Meditation can't compete with that.