I have benefited from Yoga for many years. Most classes have a savasanna, or relaxation at the end that helps one realize how different relaxation is from everyday tensions. I have seen some DVD's that offer emphasis on relaxation.
I like classes, because most yogi's are neat people.

I am doing T'ai Chi now. You really need a class to learn this. It requires Present moment mindfullness....total attention. Again, I like the folks this attracts, but it can be stressful at first!!!!

There are some really good Meditation groups. I was Involved with Insight Meditation until I could not sit in meditation with the group because of back pain issues. I have heard of Mindfullness classes being offered at the Hospital. I still do breathing exercises daily and I like to read a variety of Inspirational maaterials.

You might check bulletin boards at Health Food Stores for options.

We all need "someplace" to escape to renew ourselves I think. It is worth the hunt to find what feels 'right' for You....You are sure Worth the time this will take!!!!!!!

Meditation and Yoga are good. It's always nice to have a stash of Xanax for emergencies. I will tell you, if you do meditation, you won't want to take any tranquilizer. That is how you don't get addicted. Think of your stash of Xanax as a stash of cyanide pills that spies have (just in case/a last resort). :-) haha petey

Warm baths in epsom salts and those back vibrator things are good too.

My stress relievers are walking, particularly on nature trails, lying down and listening to a CD that plays sounds of a summer rain storm or ocean surf, browsing in a book store or the library, and reading. It's important to carve out some time for yourself to unwind especially when you are a care-giver to others. If you don't you'll wear yourself out to the point where you won't be able to care for anyone.

All good suggestions, thanks!!

katy-you are right about not being able to care for others when I'm having trouble. I think this a fib was partially a result of lots of caregiving-sandwich generation. When I was laid up with the ablation, I couldn't care for anyone. Just dealing with a fib hindered my caregiving big time!

I guess I gotta take yogacat and Petey's suggestions and just get out there!! That's funny about xanax=cyanide!! Ha!

Thanks again!

www.mindful.org has a bunch of relaxation info and practices. If you click on resources at this site you can find all kinds of stuff including free meditation down loads.

I swear Xanax can help ease the stress of Afib if it gets really intense and can relax a person and the symptoms a bit.

There are also psychologists known as "health psychologists" who will work with you. They are not "regular" psychologists but are specialists in people with medical issues and the help you design stress management programs. There are even some that are "Cardiac Health Psychologists"
http://www.health-psych.org
http://www.apa.org/divisions/div17/sections/health/Home.html
http://psychology.about.com/od/psychologycareerprofiles/p/health-psychologist.htm

I know there are some in the NYC area and i DC area. The above organizations may help you locate one in your area.

Yes to the Xanax. I'm not worried about any addictions at my age. If it controls my stress, I'm taking it.

Re: Xanax (Valium, etc.) You may know that these are good medications for short term (once every few months) use but not for long term use (it has to do with half-life of the drug).

However, there are certain similar drugs that are quite good for long term use, usually one of the antidepressants that have anti-anxiety properties as well as a long half-life. These drugs just stay in your system and usually prevent anxiety from even starting. These are better, so ask you MD or get a referral if you need for an MD who specializes in these meds (most internists and GP's really don't have the training in this area).

So meds are OK if its the best meds for stress.

Good luck.

NYMH, can you recommend any medications you mentioned?

I agree with you tomorrowsdream, "Benzos" are medications that help people. There are certainly people who are going to abuse them to resale as well plus those with addictive personalities.

What is bad is when society and government want to step in and take away what can help relieve suffering because of those few who do something criminal. There is so much of it going on, I can only see them restricting the medications more to the point those who are really in need will have to do without.

Anything to improve quality of life, I am all for it as long as it doesn't hurt any others around us. I don't live in a medical marijuana state but it is probably just as good for pain as the codeine drugs in some instances. That is a whole other topic though, and no, I don't use it.

Like I said, certain kinds of antidepressants have anti-anxiety properties. Your MD should know what is best for you or refer you to a specialist who does. Also, the problem with benzos are not only that they are addictive for - some- people, but they are not made for long-term use, they have a short half life so they don't last long so you have to take them a lot, tolerance can develop, there are other drug interactions, etc. If you take the right antidepressants, you don't need a benzo. Ask your MD or get a psych consult (not that you need a psychiatrist but they know the ins and outs of this.) Trust me, benzos can "help" but you can do better.

Good discussion everyone! NYNM, are you talking about the SSRI's as antidepressants? I think they do work for some people and are not addictive. However, some do carry the warning that they can cause a fib. My cardiologist said they tend to cause palpitations which I have already. I don't want to take something that might push me over the edge and go into a fib frequently again. Supposedly the incidence is low, but if you are one of the few, it's 100% for you.
The benzo's can be addicting, but they are effective. They don't seem to have the cardiac onus that the SSRI's have.

The best is natural like yogacat suggested yoga and Petey suggested meditation and yoga. Exercise like katy said. After I exercise, I don't feel any stress relief at all. Weird.

shantima and NYNM, thanks for the sites. I need to look into them.
All good suggestions-thanks!!

BTW: Not all antidepressants cause afib. It depends on the brand. Further, some effects are dose-related - the research shows afib at high dosages (which you might not need, those are often for people in psych hospitals) but no such evidence in low dosages (which is all you may need). Ask your MD for more details or for a referral to a specialist in antidepressants. You might enjoy brief psychotherapy (I'm quite a fan of therapy, with a good therapist).

As to stress reduction, I find its very individual and based on your specific situation. For example, is someone's general lifestyle too stressful, or is it the diagnosis causing stress, or are there family problems or is it something else or even all of this? Also not everyone responds to (or "enjoys") the same technique. Some like exercise (some like vigorous like running, some gentle like yoga), some like meditation, some like warm baths, some like reading and music (I find those very calming). I like to just lie down and try to slow my breathing.

Sometimes "hobbies" work if you like them. I like painting and find it relaxing, other people like to play a musical instrument (even badly), or gardening or cooking/baking, or carpentry. Sometimes I like a slow walk in a park, and have found some forms of Asian massages, such as Thai massage to help a lot, etc.

You should experiment.
Good luck.

I am adding these websites which I also put under the heading Cardiac Psychology:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardia...
http://www.apa.org/pubs/videos/4310...
http://www.ecu.edu/cs-cas/psyc/card...
http://www.creativehumanperformance...
http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Mind-Pr...

If you want the direct links, go to my post on Cardiac Psychology. Somehow these didn't link up right.

http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Atrial_Fibrillation_AFib/forum/15482712-cardiac-psychology