[Jeff]

It seems that for a lot of us, our heart rhythm problems are either caused by or made worse by stress. So I thought it might be useful to throw out ideas of ways to relieve stress that work for you, and after awhile I'll compile this list and turn it into an article.

In general I need things that are going to engage my brain a little bit, so that it can't think about the palps or the stressing issues causing the palpitations, like:

Going for a walk with someone - a friend, the kids, anyone that will engage me in some conversation about whatever.

Reading a book.

Exercising - my preference is in my little basement workout area (pic below), where I can turn on the TV while I'm on the treadmill or bike or whatever.

Fixing things - our house always has several things that are broken at any given moment, and having to troubleshoot how the thing got broken and how to fix it can be a nice break.

Gardening - this one is probably true for many, but not for me. Because my job is tied so closely to gardening, my gardening feels like work. So I don't enjoy it as much.

Woodworking - this is a newer one for me, but I was doing some renovation work in our house this winter and found that I liked spending time in my workshop, building cabinets and shelves.

Hanging out with my kids in the backyard, doing nothing in particular.

Getting a massage. I swear my voice is an octave lower and half as fast after I get one.

What cuts through your stress?