#2381 - 11/28/07 06:30 PM
Re: What do you do to wind down?
[Re: Circus_Hell]
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SSSnake
pledge
Registered: 11/04/07
Posts: 79
Loc: PA. U.S.A.
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#2385 - 11/28/07 07:05 PM
Re: What do you do to wind down?
[Re: Disabuse]
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Circus_Hell
stranger
Registered: 09/10/07
Posts: 34
Loc: Sydney Australia
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#2393 - 11/28/07 08:57 PM
Re: What do you do to wind down?
[Re: Circus_Hell]
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Nemesis
senior member
Registered: 09/01/07
Posts: 2175
Loc: US
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In the warm weather (8-9 months out of the year here), I like to shed my day clothes and put on my comfy flannel pj pants and a sports bra, and curl up on the couch or on my bed with a good read. I like sci-fi, fantasy, the occasional historical romance novel (but oh how they always end the same--it's like watching a predictable sitcom), possibly a biography of someone's life that I found interesting.
Or I could just listen to my stereo, playing some Smiths or other chillin' mp3's that I'm in the mood for.
If it's chilly outside, pretty much all of the above, add my natty terry robe (ah, but it was mom's and I miss her sometimes) and socks, and drinking a hot cup of mint tea with honey.
Now THAT'S what I'm talkin' bout Willis!
Coming home from a stressful day at work, where my back hurts and I'm just frazzled, I'll draw a scaling hot bath with bubbles and pour a glass of wine or pop open a Sam Adams, turn on the shower radio/cd player and let everything melt out of me. Which usually doesn't take long because after 15-20 minutes I'm overheated and ready to get out.
_________________________
Nothing is sacred.
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#2424 - 11/29/07 09:01 PM
Re: What do you do to wind down?
[Re: Circus_Hell]
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fakepropht
Big Slick
active member
Registered: 08/29/07
Posts: 990
Loc: Texas
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This may sound odd, but one way I unwind is playing poker. Grab a few beers, a good smoke, and log on and start playing. I can work myself into a lather some nights though. You called me with that trash hand? Another way is betting the horses. It requires lots of research and charts and such. It exercises the mind and can net you some money for your efforts. I spend some free time reading up on both subjects looking for new tips and pointers.
I like to go to antique stores and search for 50's kitch or anything that grabs my fancy. I have made some great scores. One time I found a child's coffin from the 1800's. I bought it and have it proudly displayed in my "halloween" room.
I also enjoy plopping down on the couch with my wife and sharing some beer or wine, a cigar, and watching tv. I know, a waste of time. However, there are plenty of shows we enjoy and we can learn from. I also have 3 cats that enjoy sitting in my lap. They rotate who gets to sit.
Lastly is cooking and entertaining. I like to bartend and feed people. I get great pleasure from planning a menu, executing it, and enjoying the company and comments from my guests.
_________________________
Beer, the reason I get up every afternoon.
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#2427 - 11/29/07 09:09 PM
Re: What do you do to wind down?
[Re: Circus_Hell]
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undeadridinghood
pledge
Registered: 08/31/07
Posts: 72
Loc: Washington State
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ummm... Mostly I play games.
World of Warcraft, The Sims 2 all of the expansion packs (yes, it's a waste of money, but sooo addicting), and solitaire.
To fall asleep, I play Brainage 2 on the DS, especially the Sudoku. It usually knocks me out before I can even finish one puzzle.
Other than that, I watch movies or cartoons. Cooking is fun too. I bake cookies if I'm pissed off and I cream all the butter by hand.
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#2429 - 11/29/07 09:22 PM
Re: What do you do to wind down?
[Re: undeadridinghood]
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rob_church
member
Registered: 11/02/07
Posts: 194
Loc: alberta , canada
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like undead i to am a gamer sims2 ,rome total war etc sims2 is damm addictive, open for seasons really added alot, but ya kick back mabey smoke a joint and play games damm fun way to relax that or a hot bath then a romp with the wife cures what ailes you:)
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#2430 - 11/30/07 12:26 AM
Re: What do you do to wind down?
[Re: fakepropht]
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Disabuse
member
Registered: 09/19/07
Posts: 220
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I also have 3 cats that enjoy sitting in my lap. They rotate who gets to sit.
I've found that my cat helps me unwind. It is almost like being reassured that someone out there loves you when they hop into your lap, lay down and start purring. There is something serene and relaxing about it.
Lastly is cooking and entertaining. I like to bartend and feed people. I get great pleasure from planning a menu, executing it, and enjoying the company and comments from my guests.
I tend to enjoy this too as long as it's planned. I don't really enjoy doing it "spur of the moment." It also depends on the company. 
Have you had much success with the online poker? I myself would rather go to an actual casino since I can count probability. Kind of hard to do that with a PC.
_________________________
-Disabuse Conformity-
"Cu è surdu, orbu e taci, campa cent'anni 'mpaci."
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#2438 - 11/30/07 11:36 AM
Re: What do you do to wind down?
[Re: Disabuse]
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fakepropht
Big Slick
active member
Registered: 08/29/07
Posts: 990
Loc: Texas
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Have you had much success with the online poker? I myself would rather go to an actual casino since I can count probability. Kind of hard to do that with a PC.
I can hold my own. I haven't won $1000s yet. Mostly because I avoid the higher dollar games. But I have won my own custom jersey from Full Tilt. I made it into the top 50 out of 1000s to qualify to play on tv on Mansion Poker. But I made a bad all in call and got crippled. I was on life support after that. There are several good programs you can buy that calculate the odds for you while playing. They also give you histories and such on the other players. I don't use them, as I want to win doing it all on my own. I prefer live games too. I play a regular free game every Tuesday night and get to AC whenever I have some free time and extra cash.
The company I work for hosts lunch during Christmas week. Each day employees bring in home cooked meals for the others to share. A week long pot luck. Even though I have taken that week off, I plan to come in one day and cook for them. I am going to make venison chili. I am going to hickory smoke the venison first and then work on the chili. I will be dragging my big ass smoker/grill to work early in the morning and getting started. Instead of sleeping in bed, my dumbass will be in the cold tending to the bbq.
_________________________
Beer, the reason I get up every afternoon.
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#2450 - 11/30/07 06:57 PM
Re: What do you do to wind down?
[Re: Draculesti]
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SSSnake
pledge
Registered: 11/04/07
Posts: 79
Loc: PA. U.S.A.
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#3737 - 01/31/08 04:51 PM
Re: What do you do to wind down?
[Re: Circus_Hell]
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ZephyrGirl
R.I.P.
active member
Registered: 08/28/07
Posts: 706
Loc: Adelaide Australia
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I am treating myself to a burlesque dancing course (for fun and fitness, not so much the career options) as the thought of joining a gym is just not fathomable for an old ballerina. Just the smell makes me nauseous, not to mention the posers and the mirrors. Yuk!!!!!!!!!!
I have an ebook I wrote a few years ago called "Lapdancing for Lovers", which is basically taking you, step by step, through how to put together a burlesque strip show for you partner at home. It's all the other stuff besides the actual moves. Send me a PM with you email addy and I'll send you the download link Mel.
xx
_________________________
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass -
It's about learning to dance in the rain.
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#3802 - 02/03/08 01:30 AM
Re: What do you do to wind down?
[Re: Circus_Hell]
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Meq
Banned
active member
Registered: 08/28/07
Posts: 861
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To wind down, I like to play soft music, perhaps with some essential oils and incense (no, not Ta2zz' favorite kind!) and immerse myself in a good book, or one of a selection of thousands of retro computer games I got off the net.
Yoga is good, particularly yoga nidra and meditation.
Self-hypnosis is also an excellent way to unwind without getting wasted.
I also like tai chi (which can be pedantically formal though), chi kung, and reiki (bar some of the metaphysical mumbo-jumbo in these...)
I personally find Buddhist meditation (such as Zazen) a bit too ascetic for my taste - it's basically staring at a wall for hours on end. Although I've had some interesting experiences with that, I've decided to move onto other forms of meditation.
Tantric sex seems an interesting recreational activity
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#3856 - 02/05/08 01:11 PM
Re: What do you do to wind down?
[Re: SSSnake]
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DistroyA
member
Registered: 02/04/08
Posts: 478
Loc: Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, UK
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Heh, it seems that I cannot keep a continuous state of relaxation for very long these days.
But, in general, I like to paint. Mind you, I get more energy if I'm painting an idea that keeps evolving. I don't relax, but I certainly don't get stressed out by it.
Music also helps me relax, unless I've got too much on my mind. Whenever this happens, I prefer to get closure on whatever issue is bothering me. Then I can enjoy things like music and art.
Another thing that can either relax or stress me out is video-games. This depends on how badly designed a game is or how difficult it is. Mind you, I'm starting to learn not to get stressed out with games and either a) work out a strategy for a certain obstacle, or b) if it stresses me out, I switch the machine off, and try again later.
The internet can be quite relaxing for me also. Then there is the option of watching any of my DVDs on my iMac (the devil's personal computer no less.... XD). Comedy is the best for me to watch.
And then there is the smoking and drinking. I use to smoke cannabis, but I just stick to booze and cigarettes (more on the whole weed thing another time).
Shit, I'm long winded. Time to let someone else give their input on the subject.
_________________________
"A man chooses, a slave obeys." - Andrew Ryan of Ryan Industries (Bioshock)
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#27109 - 07/15/09 08:26 AM
Re: What do you do to wind down?
[Re: SSSnake]
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Emily
stranger
Registered: 05/20/09
Posts: 23
Loc: north wales, U.K
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i listen to some music on my ipod, once the earphones are in im in a world of my own. Just lying down and listening to the bands you like and not paying any attention to whats going on is really relaxing.
Other than that i play on my playstation 2. im not very good at the war games but just getting the wheel and putting on a good racing game is the best, or just relaxing and go on easy and put on guitar heroes 3.
I used to just take my rabbit out onto the garden and watch him for abit, but he died a couple of months ago so i cant do that anymore.
Oh, and at night is so relaxing, when the sky darkens and the sun disappears, i just sit on my trampoline with some musics on and its real nice.
_________________________
when theres a will, theres five hundred relatives
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#27110 - 07/15/09 08:32 AM
Re: What do you do to wind down?
[Re: Kit]
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Emily
stranger
Registered: 05/20/09
Posts: 23
Loc: north wales, U.K
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I generally listen to music to wind down, but then again, I'm always listening to music.
Gardening, Cooking, and Painting are some favorites.
I find climbing trees, and being close to nature to be very relaxing. I love playing in the rain.
Without Wax,
Kit.
i love drawing, thats another good way of relaxing that i forgot to put in my post. going out in the rain is nice too, especially without the wax. hearing the rain drops splash on the ground is a nice sound (if its not pouring down) just soothing rain
_________________________
when theres a will, theres five hundred relatives
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#27114 - 07/15/09 11:06 AM
Re: What do you do to wind down?
[Re: Emily]
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fakepropht
Big Slick
active member
Registered: 08/29/07
Posts: 990
Loc: Texas
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I don't know if this would be called relaxing, but it is to me.
I watch poker shows and I disect them. I'll watch people play for navel lint, coffee grounds, or $1mil. My wife makes me watch upstairs, as it annoying. I will pause the show, and try to figure out what the next step for a player is. I have the advantage of seeing their cards, but I try to shut that out. Some players I know so well, I know what they will do before they do. I also like to close my eyes, and hear what each player is doing. Then I try to get a read on what their hand might be. Pause the tv, and see if I was correct, based on what happened. It might be odd to some, but it helps improve my game.
Music. Always music. Anything from Sinatra to Lamb of God.
Sports on tv. Though that usually has the opposite effect and instead of winding down, I am aggitated. Especially when I have put a bet in on an outcome, and it isn't happening. Nothing worse than picking a 10-1 horse that you just know will win, based on research and opinion, and watching it finish last.
Play with my cats. They can be so entertaining. Each one has a different personality. Often, I will have a cat in my lap just snoozing away. I have 3 females, and they view me as the alpha male. So each vies for attention from me. The youngest will bring me "gifts". The middle one will parade around in front of me until I signal that it's ok to hop in my lap. The oldest just hops up and does as she pleases.
BBQ on a warm day. Nothing is better to me that the smell of smoke coming from the grill, some music in the background, and a cold beer in my hand. Sitting on the deck, sipping a beer, smoking a cigar, listening to tunes, and tending to the beast and veggies that are doing their thing on the Q. If someone could capture that smell in a perfume bottle, I would buy a case.
_________________________
Beer, the reason I get up every afternoon.
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#27294 - 07/21/09 01:47 AM
Re: What do you do to wind down?
[Re: fakepropht]
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Gemini
pledge
Registered: 03/18/09
Posts: 56
Loc: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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I like to kill all the lights in the house, turn on the fog machine and laser light, put on a couple of ambient trance records, sit in front of the turntables (which I humbly refer to as "the altar" - an inside joke for DJs who are spiritually connected to their music), maybe sip on a little wine and smoke a few cigarettes, and just float off into whatever part of the Cosmos the music takes me.
Reading on whatever subject most piques my interest at the time.
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#27315 - 07/21/09 03:26 PM
Re: What do you do to wind down?
[Re: TornadoCreator]
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ta2zz
veteran member
Registered: 08/28/07
Posts: 1552
Loc: Connecticut
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We touched on this a bit in another thread recently. Sadly I read this as you admitting you are nothing more than an average Internet bully. Picking on those smaller or weaker than you. I can only wonder if this mirrors your normal attitude in real life or if this was all brought on by being picked on in school as a child. Simply finding your place in the pecking order is no fun unless you continue to climb that ladder.
Drama fuels much of the common human animals needs no matter where its stems from. Be it TV, the Internet, school, or wherever, humans like to create drama between each other. For as many that enjoy creating drama just as many enjoy watching others drama unfold. The proof can be seen almost anywhere you look, in the popularity of reality shows on TV, in the comments from others in gaming or video communities, as well as right here on the 600 club.
Targeting the weak is not a path to enlightenment it is only a path to further ignorance. Just as always picking fights with those weaker than you or those who are disabled is not the path to becoming a better fighter.
To wind down, I like to play soft music, perhaps with some essential oils and incense (no, not Ta2zz' favorite kind!) and immerse myself in a good book, or one of a selection of thousands of retro computer games I got off the net.
My favorite incense is frankincense I must admit. Other than that I prefer something with eucalyptus if not having a few stalks of dried eucalyptus stuck somewhere nearby. Currently in my shop I have oil warmers that are burning a citrus eucalyptus blend while at home I stick to an apple cinnamon scent.
Funny you would try to call me out, much less in a post I had not contributed to nor been mentioned in. One can only guess at your intention. Ah a year plus later I nibble YOUR bait.
And now the moment you have all been waiting for, the piece that makes this all on topic and right as rain...
For me there is nothing like making someone’s flesh sing with a needle, creating artwork, making money while creating pain is a beautiful thing. Nothing in life comes close to the trust and power involved when someone lets you modify his or her skin in a permanent manner. Much respect is given for those who allow me this pleasure.
~T~
_________________________
We are the music makers, And we are the dreamers of dreams. ~Arthur William Edgar O'Shaughnessy
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#27648 - 07/28/09 06:05 PM
Re: What do you do to wind down?
[Re: SSSnake]
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Jesse
stranger
Registered: 07/22/09
Posts: 9
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I play guitar most of the time. I fine the art of music to be truly the most fascinating of all the arts. You can create unique sounds everytime you play whatever instrument you might play.
With my guitar setup I can play anything from slow, calm tunes like something in the key of A minor, clean channel. Then I can turn on my distortion and unleash hell upon the world. I play a 7 string guitar so there's plenty of balls to the wall shit with the lower tuning.
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#50821 - 03/12/11 04:16 AM
Re: What do you do to wind down?
[Re: SSSnake]
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Hegesias
active member
Registered: 02/16/11
Posts: 725
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To relieve stress, I beat my wife. Not really, I'm not married but I have a girlfriend for the same thing.
In all seriousness though, I workout till I am beat and simply have to relax. If I think about it though, I often go to the woods. A person such as me needs constant stimulation. I cultivate scenarios for stimulation, I'm always calm and collected and I require intense stimulation, relaxation comes afterwards as consequence. If I miss a workout I'll be awake for over 38 hours and will do Occult research at night.
_________________________
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#50822 - 03/12/11 05:03 AM
Re: What do you do to wind down?
[Re: Circus_Hell]
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Clarence
pledge
Registered: 01/14/10
Posts: 61
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Scotch and cigars - the very best: at the moment Padron Family Reserve and a bottle of 45-50yo Chivas. My bliss. I refuse to go a day without indulging... it's not a compulsion, I just feel that life would be void of any real value without these serene moments in which I can unwind and reflect. It keeps me sane.
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#51324 - 03/19/11 10:56 AM
Re: What do you do to wind down?
[Re: SinfulAngel]
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John Le Devi
lurker
Registered: 03/19/11
Posts: 3
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Reading helps me chill out.
I also like learning new card tricks which helps take my mind off any worries I might have....
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#51799 - 03/27/11 06:44 AM
Re: What do you do to wind down?
[Re: undeadridinghood]
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SPEEDEMON
stranger
Registered: 03/27/11
Posts: 35
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I play games, mostly Modern Warfare 2 and Superbike 2010. Lately it's been Crysis 2!!!
I also draw a lot too. Or listen to music.
and I cream all the butter by hand.
You make the butter?
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#71091 - 09/21/12 01:47 AM
Re: What do you do to wind down?
[Re: Le Deluge]
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Erebus
lurker
Registered: 06/27/10
Posts: 4
Loc: Middle America
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Currently: a cocktail or two and some XBoXLive. There is something amazingly cathartic about running to and fro, shooting everything in your path.
It seems somewhat odd to me, however, as many MANY people take that sort of thing entirely too seriously. "Your k/d ratio sucks bro? Fuck you".
I dunno. I find a nice little release from just dropping some guys, and trying to win. At the end of the day, it was all amusing.
That is what I take away from it.
_________________________
Age quad aqis.
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#71159 - 09/22/12 05:55 AM
Re: What do you do to wind down?
[Re: Circus_Hell]
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maha666
stranger
Registered: 07/07/12
Posts: 6
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At the end of the day i like to take a shower,drink a few cups of tea, sit at my table and play a few online games
i do my best to clear my mind about the events of the day, i sometimes like to listen to some loud music i have listened to over the years to relive some of my past when things were good, i reflect on the challendges i have overcome and look at the huddles i have to jump to become a better being.
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#72202 - 10/26/12 10:56 PM
Re: What do you do to wind down?
[Re: seekswisdom]
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Noiitekk
stranger
Registered: 10/22/12
Posts: 12
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Pour a gin & tonic, turn up some music, and clean my armaments with my pup. Nothing I love better than that when it comes to relaxing.
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#94108 - 11/04/14 10:13 PM
Re: What do you do to wind down?
[Re: 600Advocate]
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BaronVonShankly
member
Registered: 03/23/09
Posts: 169
Loc: London
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Go to the gym, train various martial arts I find that it's a great way to relive the tension of the day. I find being pissed off for hours then going full bore at a punch bag or a sparring partner releases so much anger which allows me to calm down.
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#94117 - 11/05/14 04:22 PM
Re: What do you do to wind down?
[Re: BaronVonShankly]
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JamesSTL
member
Registered: 11/29/13
Posts: 312
Loc: St. Louis
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Sex, hot shower, reading, slumber. In that order. That usually does the trick.
I have found that if the stresses of civilization become too overbearing, a day spent in the forest does wonders for the soul.
There is something to be said about the exercise of hunter-gatherer instincts in the human well-being equation. Indulging in hiking, foraging, hunting, fishing, and rough camping is very fulfilling to me.
I don't think you're ever quite alive like when you are wrist-deep in an animal's entrails, then cooking that animal on an open fire. Being actively involved in the procurement of a food source is invigorating.
If you eat meat, I highly recommend it.
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Moderator: Woland, TV is God, fakepropht, SkaffenAmtiskaw, Asmedious, Fist
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Or if your a little Zen, that could certainly work. 
