[Minyaliel]

Singing and accompanying myself on the piano really relaxes me. If I'm very stressed or feeling uptight I will sit down and play soft jazz tunes like "My Funny Valentine" and sing. It's therapeutic. I can't listen to other people's music while I'm stressed, I will only start analyzing it automatically. Apart from that I tend to start doodling or writing. It will not be as good as when I'm relaxed, but it does help get me into a calm and tranquil mood. Last, but not least, tea. Good quality green tea or various herbal concoctions are my favourites for this. I might also grab my teapot and make myself a good, English style black tea with soymilk and sugar if I've got bisquits or something nice to accompany it and lots of time to relax.

Smells also seem to calm me down; anything that smells pleasant and not too intrusive, like newly baked bread or wild roses on a sunny summer day.