Contest now closed. Congratulations to Cassandra, comment #65:
What stresses me out? Driving–too many aggressive drivers and drivers that don’t obey traffic laws–makes me nervous and stressed, and sometimes I end up resorting to the same road rage tactics that annoy and stress me out.
What do I do to relax? Breathe deeply and try to refocus. Music and aromatherapy help out a lot. Sometimes I need to give myself an adult time out.
The details are on the way; check your email. After you get out of time out.
**********
If you are just here for the Bloggy Giveaway Carnival, I must apologize. I am about to tell you a long story that you really don’t care about. Feel free to skip ahead.
But for my faithful, regular readers (Hi, Mom!) I thought I’d ramble on unceasingly give you some background on why I chose this particular item to giveaway.
So, ahem…
Two months ago I went to the dentist for a cleaning and an exam.
Maybe he’s just nice.
Maybe he says it to all the girls.
But…
He glowingly praised my beautiful gums and went into raptures over my advanced flossing skills!
Okay, maybe not quite raptures, but he did say I was doing a very good job.
Which is why I was more than a little startled when I developed a tooth-ache, or rather a sharp pain, in one of my molars.
Did I mention, I floss?
I do have a filling in that tooth (and several others), due to a childhood diet of pilfered jello straight from the box. I wondered if that old filling had come loose since my exam.
Last week I returned to the dentist to have the tooth looked at.
It turns out that I have probably given myself a hairline fracture from clenching my teeth. It’s small enough that it does not even show up on an x-ray, but if I don’t take care I will eventually need to get a crown.
And flossing won’t do a thing to stop it.
I clench my teeth in my sleep when I am stressed. And once I start, it’s hard to stop.
Apparently, I am not alone in this habit. My dentist mentioned that he is seeing a sharp increase in these kind of tooth fractures. Blame it on the economy, gas prices, terrorism, or the fact that Jim didn’t propose to Pam, we are a stressed-out bunch.
There was little he could do for me than give me some Sensodine and advise me to try to reduce my stress level.
In the car on the way home, I turned on a movie for my girl so I could make a couple of phone calls. When I picked up my cell phone, I realized that it was broken.
Talk about stress! I was a full ten minutes from home.
I might have said “Crap!” or something like that.
I might have tried frantically to fix it before throwing it across the car.
And then I might have pulled over so I could pick it up and try to fix it again.
But it still did not work.
To take my mind off the phone, I grabbed a random CD and put it in. In moments my car was filled with soothing music and a soft voice counseling me to get comfortable and take some deep breaths.
It was a copy of a meditation that a friend had given me about a year ago. I had never made time to listen to it and it ended up in the car.
Let me just say – meditating in the car? Not so relaxing, but it did get my mind off my broken phone.
When I got home I looked up the website that the meditation had come from.
Stin Hansen created My Thought Coach. And, um? Wow. (How’s that for articulate?)
After listening to some samples, I subscribed.
For $6.95 a month, here’s what I get (quoted from MyThoughtCoach.com):
Membership includes unlimited streaming and downloads of every MP3 on the entire site.
You can:
· log in and listen as often as you want from any online computer,
· download and place files onto your MP3 player
· burn your own individualized CD
New content will be added regularly to each section of the library. You will receive an email notification each time a new MP3 is added.
· Easy and secure payment via PayPal.
· Cancel subscription any time.
· No hidden fees or obligations.
· We will never sell or distribute your e-mail address to anyone.Member or not, send or listen to the growing list of free e-mp3s at any time.
The site has guided affirmations for everything from becoming motivated to work out to letting go of anger or ending emotional eating.
There are also MP3s to listen to while you exercise. I can’t wait to try those out.
My daughter has been enjoying the relaxation exercises for children; in one she gets to visualize soaring on the back of an eagle. She is listening to them at bedtime every night.
Go check it out, there are lots of samples to listen to.
And I am trying to set aside time to meditate and release stress each day. Next to flossing, it’s the best thing I can do for my smile.
My long winded story is over; you can stop scrolling now.
I’ll be giving one of you lucky readers an entire year of stress relief, healthier living, and just all around happiness an $83.40 value. 
The winner of this giveaway will receive a year’s subscription to My Thought Coach, generously sponsored by Stin herself.
Go there and look around. Find your inner peace. Then come back here and enter to win!
Contest is open to anyone with a valid email address.
To enter, please leave me a comment about one or more of the following:
- What stresses you out
- Things you do to relax
- Your favorite brand of floss
Please do not say, “Count me in.” That’s just boring.
I will randomly choose a winner on Saturday, August 2nd sometime in the afternoon.
Good luck!
PS: Will I need a crown? Will I continue to floss? What other adventures will I have?
Subscribe to my feed to find out.
or….
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Four out of five dentists agree, Frantically Simple is good for your smile.
The fifth one? He’s just mean.
people around being unhappy stresses me out.
i go for a walk to ease stress. i’ve always done that
my floss? those pick things called dr. something or another..
What stresses me out… the economy, the price of gas (I live in the San Francisco Bay Area – 4.43 a gallon is good), having chronic illness and chronic pain while parenting active children.
I walk, I blog, I talk to friends, I knit, I read and get lost in books to ease stress.
I like Crest Glide Comfort Plus dental floss. I can’t shred it in my too crowded back teeth.
Thanks for the giveaway, I’ve also fractured a filling from grinding. I got a mouth guard and that helps except when I wake up and it’s on the floor.
1. Stress: Being with out my husband for a year while he is in Iraq (for the third time) and this time doing it with a 3 year old and 1 year old. Oh, and the fact that I am in AK and that my family is 4000 miles away in the lower 48.
2. Ease Stress: Run with my kids, even in negative temps! Or go cross country skiing, or read if they kiddos go to bed at a decent time.
3. Floss: hmm I would have to get up and walk to the bathroom to look and Im lazy. I know its in a teal small box, and its the wax kind, paper thin. I like that one and always buy it.
You have a cute blog!
Kristin harmons last blog post..This is why I had kids.
I do that too when I’m stressed…I feel it in my jaw!
* What stresses you out — My children, money (or lack of), leading in church (women’s group, VBS, etc.)
* Things you do to relax — Surf the internet, read a book, get my parents to take my children
* Your favorite brand of floss — I don’t have a favorite brand, as long as it works! I do prefer cinnamon flavored. Right now, I use the reach flosser thing (I got it as a free sample, and love it!
Annabelle@Christian Mommas last blog post..Urgent Prayer Request
What stresses you out : driving ( I wish we had good public transportation like they do in Europe!)
Things you do to relax : craft, eat chocolate, bake
Your favorite brand of floss : reach
JoyceAnnas last blog post..Briana’s Birthday Card
What stresses me out is my career or there the lack of I should say. The way I relax is spending quiet time with God, surfing and working online, and spending time with my baby boy “Evan Pangburn”.
Floss questions seems a little to personal to answer! HAHAH
Thanks again for the great offer,
Evan Pangburn
http://www.evanpangburn.com
What is stressing me out right now is my parents dysfunctional relationship and the fact that my two little sisters have to live within it.
I relax by taking a bath. Sometimes I have to bawl my head off to finally be able to relax.
My favorite floss is mint, waxed, not slippery tape floss.
Ambers last blog post..Parenting tip for today
My in-laws are the stress
eat chocolate to relax
then floss with reach
My Thought Coach looks very interesting!
What stresses me out….
Family members who won’t do things the same way I think they should…. and by that I mean EXTENDED family.
People who won’t just DRIVE…. drive, move it, what are you waiting for, Hello!
A queen size bed for 5ish weeks instead of my roomy king size at home.
LOUD dishwasher.
Results of stress…. dreams that involve Star Wars characters.
Floss… the free kind that the dentist gives us, which I never use up before he gives me another one. I’m not a flosser.
Melissa R
I think I *need* to win this! What stresses me out? I have had 5 sets of guests in under 4 weeks with no more than 2 nights between guests. The guest varied between a family of 5 and my mother-in-law… not sure which one was worse! My MIL left almost a week ago, and I still haven’t fully recovered! LOL
I do hot yoga to relax. Or I ignore the house and kids and fiddle on the computer (my current state!). I’ve been meaning to try a local meditation class, but just haven’t made it yet.
Floss? What’s that? I usually pull whatever floss is in the back of the drawer and start flossing a few days before my dentist appt!
To relax I look at photos from the beach. It always makes me feel a bit better!
Kelseys last blog post..::Poverty is the parent of revolution::
I drink Aveda tea to relax. What stresses me out, the kids not listening! My favorite floss, I don’t know who makes it but it is called Silk Glide. It is fantastic!
Pattis last blog post..Bloggy Carnival Giveaway TIME!!
Ok, just for the record, I read the entire thing
I know, I’m like that kid you hated in school that was the teacher’s pet, lol.
The thing that stressed me out the most is money.. damn, that necessary evil of life!
I relax by reading and watching tv.
And my favorite brand of floss comes on those silly looking sticks that have the floss in the middle which makes it way easier on my fingers
Thanks for the great giveaway, god knows I could use something like this!!
Erins last blog post..My newest gig – again!
What a wonderful giveaway…thanks
Money. I think it is my biggest stressor.
Katrinas last blog post..Giveaway!
Stress causers: traffic, bills, wind, bugs
Stress relievers: kahlua, tea, prayer
Traceys last blog post..MAKING CHILDREN MIND…Chapter #4
1) Losing money, or having money wrongfully taken. As in my hospital bill was sent to collections even though we pay each month!
2) I blog.
3) Glide. My teeth are so ontopofeachother it’s the only thing I can get between them!
the_other_alice_ (at) yahoo.com
Jennys last blog post..My first giveaway ever!
I found out at a dental appt that I was starting to get receding gumlines….it was due to clenching my teeth at night while I sleep as well. I was fitted for a mouth guard – you might want to ask your dentist about doing that for you. It won’t undue what’s already been done, but it’ll help prevent further damage.
Michelles last blog post..It’s That Time Again
Stress, its a fact of my life:
#1: Six kids
#2: Single Mom
#3: Money issues
I don’t mind, I would love to have more money, however the rest is perfect for me.
I find ways to relax, I love yoga, I love to play games with my kids, we all watch some TV shows together, and we share a love for food. (HUGE foodies!)
My favorite dental floss? Reach, the softer floss with toothpaste on it. It’s bliss! Even my kids floss with it, they love it!
Suzanne B.s last blog post..Bloggy Giveaway!
Poopy people stress me out:)
Nice people make me happy lol
What stresses me out? Driving. Makes me crazy but I have to do it. People are just so rude and self-centered. I’m thrilled beyond words that California passed a hands-free cell phone law. I wish they’d ban them completely.
What calms me? I have a number of absorbing hobbies like needlepoint, and sewing. I often listen to books on tape while I work. Heaven.
I use that flat green floss. I think it’s dental tape? I’m too tired to go check the brand. Love the way it makes my mouth taste.
Has your dentist suggested a night guard? I had one made for me, and it only took a few nights to get used to and it stopped my grinding. It’s tiny and really not a big deal once you get used to it.
What stresses me out NUMBER ONE is cleaning, or lack therof. I can handle work, the kids (okay, they stress me out a bit too), hubby, but the laundry, dirty bathrooms, dirty sinks, dishes, dusting, gross bathtubs,……those things stress me out because I don’t have enough time in a day to live my life AND keep my house clean. And I guess having 3 boys doesn’t help that situation either!!
tangie cs last blog post..Enter The Best Blog Giveaways
Things that stress me out is running late and trying to get the kids ready and out the door on time.
Not having enough hours in the day.
Having to get a million things done at one time also stresses me out.
To relax I like to chat with friends on the computer, write, take pictures, SLEEP, watch a good comedy or read.
I try to destress by exercising, but lately it has been with ice cream. Not good.
Glide is my favorite floss. Anything else invariably requires my husband’s assistant to get it out of my teeth. it’s embarrassing AND painful!
GrnMtnGirls last blog post..Leftovers, it’s what’s for dinner!
I was going to say that traffic stresses me out..but I really think what stresses me out is work. I would like to have a less stressful career. Maybe just one full-time job instead of a couple AND freelancing. The trouble is finding that job.
To relax, I like to make things. I can get very OCD about web-design, but if I’m doing it for fun then it still makes me feel better. Or I quilt by hand. If I use the machine there’s too much pressure.
I’ve been trying to floss at least 4 times a week, I’m building up to every night. I’ll honestly take any waxed floss, though I prefer Mint flavor. Goes nicely with my toothpaste. And I don’t like Cinnamon much at all.
What stresses me out – my infertility. I’m worried I’ll never be a mother
what I do to relax – take a hot bath
My favorite floss – the floss pics. Cant stand using the regular string
thanks for the offer !
leah coles last blog post..What it means to be infertile
My oldest son stresses me out. I think he is hyperactive but I am too chicken to get him officially diagnosed because that would mean they would recommend I drug him, which I am not willing to do. Help me relax, thought coach!
onlycancan at hotmail dot com
CanCan (Mom Most Traveled)s last blog post..Downtime Sleepy Hat Means Rest for All!
It really depends on the day as to what stresses me out. Today it is my dd who has been screaming for the last two days because of teething. (Why can’t they be born with all their teeth. I know that it would look weird, but it would make life easier).
A way that I like to relax is “find a happy place”. There is a small path in my backyard that I like to sit and think. This helps.
nicolmontero at gmail dot com
I get stressed out by financial worries and health problems. Unfortunately, eating is one of my coping mechanisms. But I do floss every night! I just use the Walmart brand plain. I prefer mint, but my husband doesn’t.
What stresses me out – My two boys (5 and 2)…and of course, money. Lack of it that is!
What do I do to relax – WHEN I can find the time – I love to go to the spa. That doesn’t happen very often – so in between, I like to read.
I don’t have a favorite brand of floss
(
Thanks for the giveaway.
I am always stressed. WIth the way the economy is, who isn’t?
I sleep when I am stressed or cry.
palmersf(at)bellsouth(dot)net
I drive about 32 miles each way to work, and trust me that is a major stress. Things that relax me are listening to audio books, and such. Floss, yes i floss.
1. My kids
2. Sending my kids somewhere for the day!
3. Oral B Cinnamon
OK…so I officially love your blog and will have to go snooping around!
Thanks,
Angie
I get stressed pretty easy, my kids right now since it is summer. Especially when they whine or fight with each other, ugh!
Ginnys last blog post..Bloggy Giveaways Carnival ~ $50 Target GC
I’m a worry-wart. I don’t let things bother me, but I worry about everything, if that makes sense. My cat (when she’s not waking me up in the middle night), relaxes me. Floss? I don’t. Bad, I know, but I have a very nice toothbrush (sonic).
What stresses me out??? Having too much to do and not enough time… My kids, particularly the first… People calling after 9 pm (not really stressful, but annoying), feeling like someone is upset with me, knowing that I did something wrong and I haven’t made it right yet.
What do I do about it??? Pray… though it’s startling how often I realize I haven’t started with that… talk to someone about it, like my husband or YOU… I read a book or get on the computer (avoidance)…I use a mouth guard to protect my teeth when I clench!
What stresses me out? Money issues, thinking about the future-if we have life insurance. a food supply, investments for our kids college fund, etc. To calm down, I take a few deep breaths and focus on my breathing. It usually helps, and then I remind myself that stressing about these things aren’t going to make them any better, so I need to relax. I also love going to my chiropractor and having him work all the stress out of my back. I find it’s easier to relax when I am properly aligned. Thanks for the giveaway!
At the moment, caring for my aging mom and my own family (husband, 7 yo and 4 yo) stresses me out. A lot.
To relax, exercise helps (though I haven’t been much good at it lately), and so does reading. I’ll read the back of a cereal box if there’s nothing else around.
My floss is one of those with the picks….
Sandwicheds last blog post..Camping was fun.
I have a high stress job in an academic trauma medical center, so self-care is a big priority for me. I do yoga, listen to calming music, and practice aromatherapy which I love. Floss? I like the Crest one.
I pretty much get stressed out about everything. I wish I knew how to relax more.
MaryBeth Is last blog post..all good things must end
Taking hot bubble baths is my de-stressor!
Teris last blog post..Good-bye July…
Work stresses me out. I’d love to take a year off. I hate that women are expected to be super people. We are not.
To de-stress i usually eat delicious food, I’m not going to lie. I enjoy sleeping too.
I only use glide floss. it’s great
I just read all that i wrote and it sounds so depressing..eek!
reevas last blog post..Laurie’s giveaway !
Well its nice to see a fellow teeth grinder/clencher what ever. Yes I have the same problem at night i grind my teeth when I’m stressed and I often find myself with a clenched jaw during the day and have to make myself relax. As for how I relax…well I don’t…what stresses me out…hmmm it could be that my hubby just deplyed….or my three kids…or that I’m going back to work after two years and I start next monday. Well it doesn’t seem like I have much stress in my life LOL. Oh and for floss never heard of it (just kidding LOL)
I’m gonna have to say work stresses me out, I get pedicures to relax, and I really don’t floss as often as I should so Crest?? I don’t even know if that’s a brand!
Britnis last blog post..Help Me Downsize
A messy house, fighting kids, and money problems stress me out. Sometimes I try to escape by reading, going out on a date, or watching a movie with my sweetie. But I find that the stress is there to greet me when the distraction is over. There are 2 things that really ease my stress. One is working on the things that I can control. Usually that means cleaning the kitchen, vacuuming, folding laundry, etc. The other is taking some time to communicate with my Father in Heaven. I feel the burdens instantly lift when I am humble and productive.
gas prices and my kids are streassing me out.
Ok, so I don’t have a particular favorite brand of floss but I do instist on waxed floss. I know – my dentist told me it’s not the best one to use, that I should use unwaxed. But then the stupid floss starts shredding and it gets stuck between my teeth and I have to dig that out and then what’s the point? Thanks for a fun blog entry and a great giveaway.
Cool stress package!
It doesn’t take much to stress me out. When things are all out of order and I have to do a bunch of chores, I get stressed.
To relax, I lie down with cucumbers on my eyes. It feels nice!
I also sometimes exercise to relax. Yeah, it seems weird but it helps me sometimes.
Favorite brand of floss is Oral-B
Thanks ^_^
The thing that stresses me out the most is not having enough time to do all the things that are always on my long to do list. I like to do yoga to de-stress, but sometimes a glass of wine and a good chick-flick work just as well. As for floss, as long as it’s minty flavored and waxed, I’ll use it!
Great giveaway! I’d love to win this. I’m trying to practice more affirmations and meditation and I think this would really help!
My messy house stresses me out because both my husband and I work full time. To de-stress I like to sit down with a cup of coffee or tea and read a book. My favorite brand of floss is Glide.
Having an untidy/unclean house stresses me out…I can’t relax until it’s done! On the other end of the spectrum…a nice glass of wine and a great old movie is a great relaxer!
Thanks for a great giveaway!
Lindas last blog post..Anyone in need of a Coach?
well lets see,my dogs barking sooo lound they make my smallest cry,trying to get everything done in one day,just a few i could go on forever!
I can’t find a brand of floss I like—that also stresses me out. Two in the house with terrible twos is probably more stressful though. (No, only one is mine, but I babysit regularly) I need to unwind!
Hope you have a peaceful week!
What stresses you out : kids, huge crowds, school work
Things you do to relax : read, eat, sleep, watch TV
Your favorite brand of floss : colgate
Lately, my dh has been stressing me out.
For stress relief I like to get into our pool early in the morning and just float and watch the sun come up.
Big crowds at the grocery store makes me stressed out! I try to avoid that by going at off times, but sometimes I have to go on Saturdays. Ugh!
To relax, I read a book or take a hot shower.
I should probably floss more…. I really like my Reach thing with the disposable flossers. Hopefully someone understands what that means.
I don’t know the name of it.
Thanks for the chance to win!!!
Charlottes last blog post..2 New Bible Studies
You sound like me with the flossing! My mom has worked in a dental office for most of my life and whenever we talk on the phone she always asks I’m brushing and flossing regularly. She actually used to come to my class once a year to give demonstrations on flossing. (BTW, my favorite brand is Glide in the mint flavor.)
The people at my job stress me out more than the job itself. I have some real gossip girls there and I could definitely deal without that. I love to read and usually it provides me enough escape to forget that other stuff.
I checked out My Thought Coach and it looks great! I am going to be completely selfish and say– I hope I win!!
[...] and please, please don’t tell my dentist. I don’t want to end up on Intervention. [...]
My health is stressing me out – the doctor’s bills are starting to roll in and boy, do they make me panic
I need to work on de-stressing.
Storms last blog post..Did You Hear That?
My husband has a tendency to stress me out, but he is worth it. THanks for the contest!
What stresses me out is that I was injured at the school where I taught 4th grade and became 100% disabled as a result. That was 8 years ago, and what stresses me out is that even though I had a wonderful life of teaching, getting married, having babies, and buying a home, all that was taken away in one split second. The person that caused my accident has never apologized. I’m stressed out constantly because I have to deal with legal issues on an almost daily basis because even things that the court has settled never happen because there are no consequences thanks to our governor “The Terminator.” For example, back in April there was a court document signed by the defense that said the insurance company had THREE DAYS to give written approval to a driving instructor to start my lessons as I have to learn how to drive with my left foot. That was in April, and I’ve yet to have it happen despite having a lawyer. That’s basically what my life has become…….dealing with extreme pain and dealing with the Worker’s Compensation system.
To relax, I listen to guided imagery CD’s. I love doing this!! I was in an amazing chronic pain program, and the psychologist actually created his own CD and had it published and all, and it’s fabulous!! His voice is extremely soothing!!
I also do deep breathing to relax.
Great giveaway!!!
Thanks so much!!
Michele(CA)
luvkittysmeowmail@gmail.com
I did read your story top to bottom. I have 3 crowns. I also have an incredible dentist. A woman. She is just so patient with me. I’ve lived through all 3 crowns but I’ll admit I’ve threatened to off the deep end if I ever hear the words “you need a crown again”. Ok…in fairness the last one truly was a piece of cake. And she kept me entertained the whole way through.
Yes, I’d love to win, but meeting others and connecting is also really great. So that leads me to my tip for reducing stress. Slow down a bit. So what if I don’t enter all 1000 contests. Oh boy did I really just say that? I can stress over it, or I can smile at the one I’ve already won and smile at the wonderful emails I’m getting or I can stress. I choose smiling.
So…slow down when you can and smile when you can. No phone?? Cool…no one to bother you. And yep after 10 minutes let’s get it fixed
Audreys last blog post..A Year Of Crockpot Recipes
What stresses me out? Driving–too many aggressive drivers and drivers that don’t obey traffic laws–makes me nervous and stressed, and sometimes I end up resorting to the same road rage tactics that annoy and stress me out.
What do I do to relax? Breathe deeply and try to refocus. Music and aromatherapy help out a lot. Sometimes I need to give myself an adult time out.
Something that stresses me out is school. Specifically, getting assignments done and when it comes to exam time. My stress relieving technique isn’t a great one…avoid the work at all costs.
Thanks for the chance.
What stresses me out? Mostly when I am running late for something or cannot find something I need.
Lately I have been getting into meditation a little and this site really interests me!
Wisconsin Mommys last blog post..It’s a Whole New World…
Traffic stresses me out.
To relax, I love to read (after I get home)
My favorite floss is Crest Glide
I think the real question is what DOESN’T stress me out? LOL. Even my 18 year old sister constantly tells me to stop stressing but it is just part of my personality and I can’t stop it. I eat ice cream to de-stress but as I told you I am always stressed so you should see the ice cream booty I’m rocking.
ckbruce@ymail.com
Christian Kays last blog post..I don’t want to get into it.
The biggest stress is the cost of living, yet jobs not giving big enough raises. Sometimes just have to sit back and say well I only live once so why worry just live life to its fullest.
What stresses me out is my kids thinking they don’t have to listen to me just because I have poor health. They figure there isn’t much mom can do so too bad. It use to hurt when they did that but now it honestly just makes me really stressed out.
Also medical personel stress me out. If you knew how many bad doctor story I had you’d be stressed out with me! LOL
Jos last blog post..Finally Facing The Facts
I am a very much over stresser and need the computer to unstress me ,I grind my teeth also to the point where it is causing me a problem and I keep everything in . This is a great contest, I
[...] and please, please don’t tell my dentist. I don’t want to end up on [...]