{{{{{Garth}}}}} First of all: you're definitely not alone in this. If/when you need someone to talk, we'll be here to listen and to give you a hug if you would like one.
I'm anything but stress-resistant myself and for the last 6 years have been fighting against post-traumatic stress syndrome. I, too, try to avoid any kind of noise. Custom-made silicone ear plugs and industrial-strength ear-defenders are something I can wholeheartedly recommend to everyone who seeks peace and quiet.
What has a soothing effect differs widely from person to person. I achieve very good results with a small mp3-player loaded with audiobooks. I find the constant flow of a pleasant voice very soothing, particularly if it's an Agatha Christie mystery or a Dr Who story (happy end guaranteed). For me, audiobooks are highly efficient in blocking my brain from thinking about my problems. However, the habit gets addictive: I've gotten so used to this for the last 7 years that I am now totally unable to sleep without audiobook LOL (current book is Shada, btw., a rather amusing (2nd) Doctor Who novel).
Scents have a rather strong influence on the human nerve system, so that it might be worth giving them a try. Lavender is a very powerful sedative but not everyone likes the scent. Rose also works very well. If you ned something invigorating, I recommend peppermint or lemongrass.
There is also a herb called valerian. An extract from its roots is an traditional and very powerful sedative (but there are few things on this planet that taste worse). However, it works only on the physical symptoms of stress - lowering the blood pressure and heart rate) - but will not keep your brain from running in circles in 5th gear. Ginger is 2nd best, physically - it makes you relaxed and does have a certain influence on the brain, albeit only a very small one. Theobromine (better known as chocolate) is best, emotionally, but has certain circumferential side effects
(and yes, gallows humour also helps a lot).
Have a look in the mental illness thread and don't worry, we take this term very very losely: there are quite a few recipes against stress and thinking in circles.
I'm anything but stress-resistant myself and for the last 6 years have been fighting against post-traumatic stress syndrome. I, too, try to avoid any kind of noise. Custom-made silicone ear plugs and industrial-strength ear-defenders are something I can wholeheartedly recommend to everyone who seeks peace and quiet.
What has a soothing effect differs widely from person to person. I achieve very good results with a small mp3-player loaded with audiobooks. I find the constant flow of a pleasant voice very soothing, particularly if it's an Agatha Christie mystery or a Dr Who story (happy end guaranteed). For me, audiobooks are highly efficient in blocking my brain from thinking about my problems. However, the habit gets addictive: I've gotten so used to this for the last 7 years that I am now totally unable to sleep without audiobook LOL (current book is Shada, btw., a rather amusing (2nd) Doctor Who novel).
Scents have a rather strong influence on the human nerve system, so that it might be worth giving them a try. Lavender is a very powerful sedative but not everyone likes the scent. Rose also works very well. If you ned something invigorating, I recommend peppermint or lemongrass.
There is also a herb called valerian. An extract from its roots is an traditional and very powerful sedative (but there are few things on this planet that taste worse). However, it works only on the physical symptoms of stress - lowering the blood pressure and heart rate) - but will not keep your brain from running in circles in 5th gear. Ginger is 2nd best, physically - it makes you relaxed and does have a certain influence on the brain, albeit only a very small one. Theobromine (better known as chocolate) is best, emotionally, but has certain circumferential side effects
(and yes, gallows humour also helps a lot).Have a look in the mental illness thread and don't worry, we take this term very very losely: there are quite a few recipes against stress and thinking in circles.
