What do you use as a stress reliever?

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I've asked my GP for something for stress relief and she told me it was something for my psychiatrist. I asked him and he said he wasn't too comfortable prescribing things for stress because of the addictive qualities. So I was wondering what is out there other than benzo's. Maybe something natural. I've joined a gym and I know that will help some but it's mainly for the times I'm dangerously close to freaking out on somebody or going into a full-on meltdown.

Deep pressure. Fur. Withdrawal/Getting away from the situation even if its upsetting for me to leave.

I have also found exercise to be a great stress relief. During the non-exercise times, I like to have something in my pocket that I can manipulate with my fingers.

Bejeweled Blitz!

The pressure from lying under a futon mattress helps me. Some day I need to get a proper weighted blanket.

Exercise is good.

Something to fidget with helps. I'm either playing with a koosh ball or a string of beads most times.

Yep, something cyclic in a gym like a rowing machine or riding a bicycle works for me. Put some head phones/music on and go for it . Make some sweat.
I found any exercise I could do without thinking too much was good for the soul/mood. Even walking fast works. Just get out there and do it.

My stress relievers are music, my blankets, naps, Tumblr, plushies, and drawing.

Running, Skyrim, and drawing are my best stress relievers.

Deep pressure input such as a 15 pounds weighted blanket for my shoulders, a long relaxing drive (vibrations from the road are deep pressure input), repetitive motions or tasks like organizing things, listening to loud music on loop in a quiet dark room.

For me it's working on my car. It forces my mind into problem solving mode and so all of my attention goes into the problem at hand and away from whatever is troubling me. It's almost like taking a Xanax in a way as it gives my mind a break from the negative feedback loop it generates.

Chair Back Massagers help me a little bit. I would love to have one of those full body chairs that massages every muscle.

pursing special interest, reading, chocolate, teas and tisanes, music and stimming. none of that is really medication though. i have no experience with such things.

Having a pet helps a great deal. Sleep, my journal, my stress ball, stimming and entertainment are all great stress relievers for me too.

I am really suspicious of drugs in general because it's not one size fits all. I had a terrible experience with Paxil, so my last resort is meds.

Have you been given any techniques for when you feel anxiety is getting overwhelming?

One thing I was taught is to check my anxiety level by taking a deep breath from the diaphragm. I then breath this way a bit while asking myself questions like, what's the worst thing that can happen? Of course, the worst thing that can happen is I or someone I care about dies. Then I back away from there until I get to the worst thing that could happen in that moment. Almost always I am able to calm myself in the moment this way.

Have you thought of yoga? I know someone who has been doing yoga since she was an adolescent and she is really mellow.

get a punchingbag and work up a sweat
running and powertraining work good for me 2

Playing my warlock on World of Warcraft. Hugging my husband (if I'm not overstimulated already). Soft, fuzzy things.