How do you de-stress?

Life without stress would be very boring, but not knowing how to handle stress can also create havoc in one’s life. Through the years, I have learned to de-stress by letting go of things and accepting situations that are beyond my control.

When I wake up, the first thing I do is pray and ask that our Lord guide and protect me throughout the day. Praying the rosary also has a great calming effect on me, and when things get really tough, traveling with my loved ones can also be a great stress buster.

We all have different ways to cope with stress but what’s important is for us to listen to our bodies and know when we need to stop, sit back and relax. Health is wealth and it is only we who can help ourselves in the end.

Tyson Kraft, model/DJ

I call my grandma and find out what she’s up to. She’s very calming and supportive. Otherwise, I’ll go for a run, swim or a quick boxing session.

Carla Guevara La Forteza, theater actress

I book a flight to Cebu and spend a few days at the Crimson Resort and Spa in Mactan where my husband is the executive chef of Azure Beach Club, and book a two-hour massage at their Aum Spa.

Aryanna Epperson, MTV VJ, blogger

My way of de-stressing is by tuning out of the world and tuning in to my music. I take a digital detox and listen to my favorite songs. As they say, music heals the soul and cancels out all the negative energy. I believe that de-stressing is all about making time for yourself by doing what you love or not even doing anything at all. 

Cora Pilar P. Guidote, SVP for Investor Relations and Corporate Communications for SM Investments

There are different things I do to de-stress. I meditate. I play computer games or I surf the net so I can learn something new beyond work. I watch movies. I also try to go to the gym two to three times a week to work out. I am training again to powerlift — not to compete — just to stay fit and release stress. Photography is another stress reliever. I am lucky to have an office window with a great view of the Manila Bay and this allows me to take photos of spectacular sunsets at the end of the day. Some weekends, I scuba dive so I can indulge in underwater photography, a hobby I’ve had for many years now. I also like spending time with family and friends, but I am careful not to pass on the stress to them. 

Grace Lee, news anchor

There is nothing like traveling to de-stress. To experience new things and even the old in a different light, time and place. To compose yourself in the randomness of life happening around you without the sense of being chased by any urgency.  It is only in times that I travel, when I can clear my thoughts to absorb all the beauty and let it settle in my heart for good measure. In appreciating God’s magnificent creations, we can navigate ourselves in the truly wonderful scheme of this universe. Then, you think, what was I stressing about?  

Martin Andanar, TV5 newscaster, News5everywhere head, and developer of Podcast.Ph

Working in an environment where creativity is key, I make sure that stress does not get in the way. Otherwise, I’m cooked. So to de-stress I usually go to my mancave studio at home and produce an independent podcast or simply listen to standards music with a shot of whiskey on the side.

Rachelle C. Wenger, interior design consultant

With all the things I juggle, the one thing most effective for me is going to the Blessed Sacrament. However stressed I get or when faced with challenging situations or people, once I enter the chapel, everything seems to melt away. One can’t stay negative in such a space. I try to visit even for a few minutes everyday and it grounds me and gives me a different kind of perspective right away.  You can’t stay stressed when you know you are being taken care of and just how blessed you are.  

Rep. Mark Villar,  Las Piñas

A nice, competitive game of basketball always helps me de-stress.

Binan Mayor Len Alonte Naguiat

I de-stress by spending as much time as I can with my family. When I’m with family, I am simply a mother and a wife and can set aside all the worries that come with being a public servant. Whenever possible, we go on short family trips which we all really cherish and enjoy.

Kim Atienza, TV personality

I pray, I spend time with my family, I swim, bike and run.