Stress busters that aren't food and alcohol

Hit on something? Volley a tennis ball against a wall, speed bag, heavy bag, go historical and whack a "pell" with a "sword". Pretty much anything "high energy" physical should do the trick. Even going for a walk helps, though you might "need" to start out at a 4MPH pace when you leave the house (no harm if you "mutter" and "express your feelings" as you walk as well). When you've found some calm, have a discussion with the "stress causers", if possible and try to "negotiate" ways to reduce the stresses. Alcohol doesn't really "fix" stress - it just numbs your feelings.

Walking or any other exercise you like or meditation.

sexual pleasure

I Love Zumba. It really works out my frustrations. Calling someone to chat and share how things are going helps relieve stress. Meditation is supposed to be great, but I can't say this from personal experience. Picking up a new sport or training for a 5k run/walk can be great.

There you have it. The ladies beat me to all the good answers.

Yoga, walking, dancing, lifting weights, meditation, breathing, tea, sex, bath, massage, being outdoors, sleeping.

Oh, yeah, I also agree with music and self defense classes.

Exercise is my stress-buster, but it sounds like you could benefit from some counseling. I'm not saying you should go walk into the nearest AA meeting, don't get me wrong. But "a drink or three" to unwind because "the kids are crazy" really doesn't sound like a healthy way to deal with life, and if it's not a problem yet, it likely will be. You have a duty as a parent to your kids to be a role model; do you want them to struggle with the same things you struggle with now? Come on, you're better than that. The fact that you're even asking this question means you're better than that. Please, look into some professional help. Cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT may be useful for you.

Cardio or sex works for me.

bubble bath.
go for a run.

I ike to put call of duty on the xbox and shoot some people.

Lift something heavy... Maybe not the kids though.

Get some weights and do some big old compound lifts. 20 minutes of that and you won't want that drink!

Walking, gardening, hot bath, mani & pedi, arts & crafts… :laugh: LAUGHING!

Meditation(by far the most long lasting and effective in my opinion), yoga (my personal favorite), exercise in any form, just going for a nice leisurely walk, hot tea, epsom salt bath with lavender oil, massage, reflexology, read a good book, surf the web for pics of cute animals, write down three things you are grateful for (or any other type of journaling), meet up with a friend for a cup of coffee, sing, dance, smile (studies show if you smile, even if you don't mean it, it lifts your mood), stretch, get out into nature (just 5 minutes can improve mood and destress you), garden or find any other hobby, paint (or better yet finger paint), hug someone, do something nice for a stranger (definitely improves mood, especially if done anonymously) do a word puzzle like a crossword or sudoku, and.... hmmm, those are all my tricks to get myself out of a stress related funk. oh, and if you have the time and money to do so properly, invest in a pet. Pets are HUGE stress reducers! If you can't afford to get your own ask your neighbor or friend if you can walk their dog! Cats are a little cheaper and less maintanence, but I think the rewards of having a dog are much greater!

I might have to lock myself in my room, but I'll get it figured out!!

Spoken like a true mother of boys

It may seem hard but finding some time for yourself to think and relax will reduce your overall stress which will make all aspects of your life easier to manage. Try all the suggestions that appeal and just remember that you're worth it!