1.) Nate Mooney, News Assistant
I like to change up my choices for stress-relief depending on my mood and the urgency of the situation. If time and motivation allows, a few mile run around Portland’s East End Trail always helps me forget about whatever work is hovering over my head and makes me love Portland again. No stoplights to deal with, and the courtside vista of Casco Bay gets my vote for most scenic running trail in the state. If, however, I’m looking for more of an instant fix there’s one libation in town that never fails to invigorate my mood and ritually relieve some stress, and that would be the oyster shots at Eventide. There are five types, but if you want the real McCoy, go for the “dirty” variety. Your choice of vodka or gin and olive brine, topped with one of Maine’s own Winterpoint oysters. It’s somewhere between a relaxing breath of sea breeze and a hard slap in the face. I generally get a second.
2.) Kirsten Sylvain, Editor-in-Chief
When I’ve been working for hours on end and I take a much-needed break, there a few things that I’m likely to do. Usually, it’s a good idea to turn on some loud music and dance around for a song or two like your life depends on it, but if I’m too tired to even think about that, I will sit back with a cup of Earl Grey tea and pretend that I’m not sitting in my cramped office. If I’m in an eat-away-the-stress mood, I’ll hop in my car and pop over to Five Guys on Middle Street for a delicious, not-so-good-for-me burger, and that usually hits the spot.
3.) Thomas Collier, News Editor
When I’ve got a spare hour or so, and I’m feeling really stressed out, I head on down to the Great Lost Bear to grab some grub and a nice Belgian beer. Nothing relaxes me like a full stomach and a cold one (or two). The food at the Bear is delicious and can appeal to a wide variety of palettes. I especially enjoy their “Thai Tempura Veggie Roll Up” and “Never Haddock Like This.” The beer selection at the Bear is magnificent, changing often to keep up with the season. If you’re looking to try out a few Belgian brews — something that I wholly recommend — check out the five-beer sampler. Just don’t drink too much during the day or else you risk losing your drive to be productive.
4.) Sam Hill, Arts & Culture Editor
When I’m not simply ignoring all my work and I’m taking a legitimate break from everything, I like to take a drive over to Bull Moose and do some shopping. I’ve got quite a to-read list and I’m always listening to new tunes, so for 50 cent used books and the possibility of finding an album for under five bucks, I’ll search every inch of the store for a good deal. Of course, after I’ve killed an hour or so, I’ve got to get back on my grind, so whatever I have bought stays in my car or sits on my bookshelf for weeks before I get to it. But I manage to have fun and take a break finding everything, so it’s worth the few bucks.
5.) Anna Chiu, Sports Editor
The best stress reliever for me, minus hitting the sheets, is Bikram Yoga. Bikram Yoga is a series of 26 postures that you do in a heated room that lasts for about 90 minutes. Expect to sweat like you’ve never sweat before, and prepare to be challenged on a whole new level. I’ve been practicing for about three years now, and I find that it never fails to boost my mood and stress throughout the day. The only complaints I have is that it’s a bit pricey, and you have to dedicate an hour and a half of your time, but it’s worth your money and time.