What is your outlet?

2014-07-24T13:56:11-04:00

Everybody has one or should have one: That thing you do, or that place you goto to just "get away from it all".

No, not drinking. (*Insert crazy port visit here with subtitles*). Anyway...

So what's the hobby? What do you do when you're done with your day? You never know, you might help someone out here on Rallypoint break some bad habits and start new ones...

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 24 at 2014 1:57 PM

2014-07-24T13:57:22-04:00

My Man Cave with my GI Joe/12 inch Action Figure Collection.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2014 2:09 PM

2014-07-24T14:09:18-04:00

When I was on active duty i used to find the local library - some on base, some off base. Just getting away from it all and letting my imagination wander in a good novel certainly made time fly. No "white noise" from a bar or beach...just close to total silence.

K.I.S.S. - a principle too often forgotten

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2014 2:15 PM

2014-07-24T14:15:23-04:00

PO2,
I personally find exercising/hitting the gym my favorite way of getting some alone time in addition to expending some extra energy.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2014 2:44 PM

2014-07-24T14:44:10-04:00

Sailing or Motorcycle riding... small menial tasks which require little thought while still keeping me actively engaged enough to forget about the things which are bothersome. Personally I have never been able to disengage the mechanism. I have always had the hamster wheel turning. The trick was to find a different hamster.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2014 2:54 PM

2014-07-24T14:54:38-04:00

Kickboxing! I kick and punch the bag so I don't punch people! LOL
Also I like to knit and sew (girly stuff yes) and hike on the weekends.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2014 2:55 PM

2014-07-24T14:55:47-04:00

I build Legos

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2014 3:03 PM

2014-07-24T15:03:30-04:00

Picking up golf now, big wide open golf course, cellphone at home

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Jul 24 at 2014 3:12 PM

2014-07-24T15:12:26-04:00

I play video games, mostly Call of Duty types of games. Anything that helps me relieve the frustration of not being able to act on my thoughts throughout the day. Not recommended by my mental health team, but it does help.

My new definition of stress:

The confusion and frustration created when the mind over rides the bodies basic natural desire to choke the shit out of some civilian who desperately deserves it, but isn't there to get their just rewards.

Response by SSG Robin Rushlo made Jul 24 at 2014 3:18 PM

2014-07-24T15:18:52-04:00

Cigars, SMoking cigars, rolling cigars, Cigar events, and selling cigars.

Response by Cpl Christopher Allen-Shinn made Jul 24 at 2014 4:37 PM

2014-07-24T16:37:14-04:00

Reading, video games, and exercise (swimming or martial arts).

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jul 24 at 2014 4:52 PM

2014-07-24T16:52:14-04:00

Geocaching! I know there are some of you out there that are 'cachers' as well, but for those of you who haven't tried this yet, it's a great way to get outside, have fun and visit a lot of places you would never have visited otherwise. All you need is a sense of adventure (and humor helps) along with a hand held GPS (a cell phone will work, but accuracy will suffer.. )
If you're interested, here is the web site, browse away (it's free!) and join us in the adventure!

http://www.geocaching.com

Get the free Official Geocaching app and join the world's largest treasure hunt.

There are millions of geocaches worldwide, just waiting for you to find them. There are probably even some within walking distance of where you are right now. Visit Geocaching.com to see just how many geocaches are nearby and to learn how to start finding them.

Response by PO1 Ricky Allen made Jul 24 at 2014 5:17 PM

2014-07-24T17:17:40-04:00

Myself - I enjoy Call of Duty: Ghosts. It's my favorite game on the 360 - Besides that, it's me and my two sons on the beach boogie boarding and of course, spending time with my lovely wife :)

Response by PO1 Charles Cunningham made Jul 24 at 2014 5:48 PM

2014-07-24T17:48:46-04:00

I sail sailboats. I sail specially engineered sail boats, for disabled folks and disabled Veterans...Mostly in McCovy Cove, next to the Giants Stadium, but sometimes in the Bay.
My club The Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors (baads.org) runs a Veterans only program on Sundays. It is a great stress reliever and a great effort.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2014 10:02 PM

2014-07-24T22:02:14-04:00

I played video games for a while, but I lost the desire to sit at the computer and waste away, unless I'm researching something to stay informed. I enjoy going to the archery and firearm ranges every now and then, just to make sure I'm still sighted in with my bow or rifles. I may be doing some white tail and wild hog hunting later this year.

I will be distracting myself with walking, hiking, and camping to keep away from the politics of the day that upset me, but sitting here recovering from a surgery is making my mind wander back to the silly season of politics. I can't wait to get these damn stitches out of my nose.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Jul 24 at 2014 10:22 PM

2014-07-24T22:22:44-04:00

I just do yard work to make mine look better. Keeps me away from everyone and I enjoy it to some degree. I don't compete with neighbors but it bothers me if my grass it too high or the shrubs grow outward too much. I'm always looking at new ideas to fix my landscaping too. Not much of a hobby but it works for me.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2014 10:27 PM

2014-07-24T22:27:30-04:00

PO1 Ricky Allen Good topic! Thanks for sharing! I love reading about Quantum Physics, Multi-verse, Brainworlds, of course Meteorology, Lighthouses, abandoned property and God!

Response by SPC Corie Davis made Jul 25 at 2014 11:35 AM

2014-07-25T11:35:37-04:00

Spending time with my family and try to get out of town.

Response by SSgt Michael Hacker made Jul 25 at 2014 1:11 PM

2014-07-25T13:11:28-04:00

Same as they've always been... Budo and Guitar. I don't drink, smoke, do drugs, or run for longer distances than I must. The sick bastard in me is actually thinking of learning to make guitars and knives.

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Jul 25 at 2014 4:25 PM

2014-07-25T16:25:26-04:00

I draw or Play Video Games. I love doing digital art.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2014 9:45 PM

2014-07-25T21:45:38-04:00

I go backpacking in the middle of nowhere and survive off of what I have on hand. It really forces you to reevaluate your priorities and stressors.

Response by COL Randall C. made Jul 26 at 2014 3:46 PM

2014-07-26T15:46:39-04:00

PO1 Ricky Allen, I get on RallyPoint and have great discussions with others!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2014 2:17 AM

2014-07-27T02:17:30-04:00

It used to be hockey. Since moving out of hockey central I now do workouts or tv. Since CPT Laurie H. got me on this site and CPT Private RallyPoint Member and MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca got me addicted to it I use Rally Point to calm down from a long day at work. To vent I call co-workers, mentors, family, or friends.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2014 2:28 AM

2014-07-27T02:28:43-04:00

I play video games. Specifially MMOs and RPGs. They're more immersive and have a tendency to distract you from the real world a little better.

I listen to music that matches whatever mood I'm in. It's kind of like Red Bull for the soul.

Flying as a Crew Chief is a release in itself in my opinion. I forget everything except my job. Even on the days where I get bored or frustrated with something about it, I look out the window and see the world below me and think "Man, I'm flying in a MFin Black Hawk!"

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2014 12:12 PM

2014-07-27T12:12:17-04:00

I like to fish eventhough my success rate is less than stellar, its a good way to relax

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2014 2:13 PM

2014-07-27T14:13:38-04:00

Brazilian jiu-jitsu or something creative. Depends on how something is bothering me. If physical activity didn't help then drawing or writing do the trick.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2014 7:44 PM

2014-07-27T19:44:48-04:00

I don't have one, can't financially afford to have one.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2014 7:49 PM

2014-07-27T19:49:19-04:00

I don't have one, I cannot financially afford one.

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Jul 27 at 2014 8:16 PM

2014-07-27T20:16:50-04:00

Music. It stretches the mind to learn to play more difficult pieces with the instrument of your choice and you get a sense of accomplishment as you see yourself progress. Learning to do new things keeps your mind from atrophying; you should always keep it engaged.

Response by PO3 John Jeter made Jul 27 at 2014 8:41 PM

2014-07-27T20:41:10-04:00

Riding my bike. The best thing about living in the country, I can go for quite a while without seeing any traffic on the back roads. Most of the time I wear a helmet, but on the back roads I can take it off and just do a leisurely cruise and enjoy the scenery.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2014 10:38 PM

2014-07-27T22:38:59-04:00

They gym. My second home. As long as I don't forget my head phones.

Response by CDR Thomas Gatliffe made Jul 28 at 2014 11:53 AM

2014-07-28T11:53:25-04:00

I get out with my camera into the mountains on my Spyder. I've been up to 14,000+ ft with it (Top of Mount Evans) and don't even stop for pictures unless a pass is at least 9,000 ft. Love it here in "God's country."

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Jul 28 at 2014 12:15 PM

2014-07-28T12:15:27-04:00

Video gaming is and always was my favorite outlet. It kept me awake during duty and relieves a lot of stress.

Response by MSG Mitch Dowler made Jul 28 at 2014 5:52 PM

2014-07-28T17:52:27-04:00

Army retiree and still working hard is a civilian. For me it is balls to the wall to replace my earned income with passive income so I can really retire. Still living high amperage now so I can chill out later or die trying. Outlet = None.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2014 6:40 PM

2014-07-28T18:40:19-04:00

I do music compilations, using my laptop and mixer, I only do it for myself, not as a DJ money generating thing. Kind of takes me back to my Radio Shack days building my first AM transistor and stuff they had.

Response by SFC William "Bill" Moore made Jul 29 at 2014 7:00 AM

2014-07-29T07:00:09-04:00

Shooting. I have a field on my farm that is just over 700 yards and I call it my range. Sometimes I even get a brave, but stupid, groundhog or coyote that thinks anything over 400 yds. is safe, not too bright! The one in my icon was taken at @425 yds. with my Mini-14.

Response by CWO3 Donald Dunn made Jul 29 at 2014 1:48 PM

2014-07-29T13:48:19-04:00

Hitting the gym (weights). Hitting the road (run 5-10 miles, depending on stress level).

Response by PO2 Zechariah Allison made Jul 29 at 2014 1:53 PM

2014-07-29T13:53:42-04:00

Though it may be strange to some... I paint miniatures. the amount of patients and concentration that it needs oddly brings a calm to me and I have something pretty cool to show for it.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a [login to see] 6 [login to see] [login to see] 31785&type=1&l= [login to see]

Minis | Facebook

Response by SGT Leigh Barton made Jul 29 at 2014 2:59 PM

2014-07-29T14:59:16-04:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3XxrQZV8fs This and nearly a hundred miles a week on a mountain bike.

Cats in the cradle Harry Chapin Grumman F14 Tomcat

These videos are a recreational exercise for me and contain Third party materials. The artists that I use are long standing favorites of mine, and though old...

Response by TSgt Mark Vaughn made Jul 29 at 2014 4:04 PM

2014-07-29T16:04:39-04:00

For me believe it or not I'm a Gamer! I have been addicted to World of Warcraft since it first went public almost 10 years ago. I played when I was in Japan / Korea and those folks take their games serious over there :) Anyway I digress, I was never much into the first person shooters like Black Ops etc. but I love the Role Playing games that have a deep storyline and great graphics. It's my outlet the way some go camping, go to the gym, or read books. A good game with a good story is essential and once you get immersed into it, it's like a good book that you become part of the story. I also play a host of other games but I guess if you take into account the good old days of Warcraft on 3 1/2 floppies I've played the Warcraft series for a lot longer than 10 years hahah! Going on 25 or so years I'd bet.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2014 8:15 PM

2014-07-29T20:15:31-04:00

Music is my ultimate release. Without music, I would have gone crazy a long time ago. It also helps that another one of my things I love to do, which would be driving, I can play my music. Nothing like a long drive to unwind. Besides that, fishing and kayaking are also awesome.

Response by SSgt James Stanley made Jul 29 at 2014 10:50 PM

2014-07-29T22:50:06-04:00

After I clear out all my emails I pull up Spotify, Put on my headphones, select either Classical Guitar, Spanish Guitar, or Romantic Piano and then just relax.

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Jul 29 at 2014 10:57 PM

2014-07-29T22:57:52-04:00

I like to get in a pool and do laps. No sound but the splashing, and the weightless feeling takes away all stress

Response by SGT Raquel Zornes made Jul 30 at 2014 1:24 PM

2014-07-30T13:24:21-04:00

My top favorite is working out. It has worked the best when it comes to stress and anxiety. Escaping to the movie theater, usually on my own is relaxing too. Getting lost in a good comic book movie helps my mind slow down and take a break from reality. Another thing I like to do is put in a good CD and drive while singing at the top of my lungs. Yes people stare, no I don't care. ha ha ha.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2014 6:00 PM

2014-07-30T18:00:55-04:00

Personally I enjoy just talking to my fiance when my day is finished. We now live 900 miles apart but since I joined the military we've never been closer. If I'm not talking to her I'm watching Netflix, once I get into a show I have to finish every season.

Response by SGT Dan Knispel made Jul 31 at 2014 10:28 PM

2014-07-31T22:28:37-04:00

I used to study Hapkido until my teacher got divorced and moved. I also joined the pistol team at work until they shut it down because it cost too much. Since it seem that most of the things I liked to do that involved other people don't seem to be working out.... now I build models. I seem to find that tanks are my favorite.

Response by PO1 Thomas Record made Aug 1 at 2014 6:10 AM

2014-08-01T06:10:32-04:00

Genealogy.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2014 2:13 PM

2014-08-02T14:13:18-04:00

Taekwondo

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2014 2:44 PM

2014-08-02T14:44:45-04:00

Great question. I have a few outlets. I like to read quite a bit and I like to surf the net. The latter is a mixture of reasons varying from research, to shopping, to social media. A couple others I love to do is riding my motorcycle, which is great for the breeze and enjoying the environment, and the shooting sports.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2014 3:08 PM

2014-08-02T15:08:38-04:00

My outlets are; Astronomy, Genealogy, medical, and Gulf War Illness research, and music just to name a few.

Response by PFC Erik Asher made Aug 3 at 2014 2:31 PM

2014-08-03T14:31:42-04:00

Music, group therapy at the range as often as possible, pistol matches, building 1911s, ARs, AKs, GLOCKs, and SIGs. Movies, Long drives in fast cars.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Sep 13 at 2014 5:39 PM

2014-09-13T17:39:01-04:00

Taking my canine companion for a walk.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 13 at 2014 5:58 PM

2014-09-13T17:58:30-04:00

Great thread PO1 Ricky Allen. I make key chains that resemble our dress uniform ribbons. It's good therapy for my hands and I give them out to veteran organizations, deployed units, Family Readiness Groups (fundraising for jr. enlisted awards). I look for the older vets wearing their "service era" hats and pass them out. Sometimes I get GREAT stories from them.

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Sep 13 at 2014 8:09 PM

2014-09-13T20:09:26-04:00

For better than 15 years now I have road raced a Mazda RX7 with SCCA (Secret Car Club of America) It is my shrink couch, stress reliever, sauna and weight reducer. The acute concentration makes all of the rest of it just....go away! Most of my friends believe that I am crazy, but as long as I continue to win races. I will keep doing it. Being in Florida I have some really great tracks to play on: Homestead, Sebring, Palm beach and Daytona. One of my most rewarding experiences was being a driver instructor for the Lotus owners gathering (LOG), track day at Sebring. The 27th I go to Daytona for the last race of the 2014 Sediv ECR (Enduro Championship racing) season. The few times that I genuinely smile is after getting out of a 130 degree car after 2 hours behind the wheel.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Sep 14 at 2014 12:55 AM

2014-09-14T00:55:16-04:00

I have three-
I love to read....When I bury myself in a book, I can tune most everything else out. It's a great way for me to decompress. I read fiction, history, educational, and thriller type stuff.
I'm also an avid diver, and scuba instructor. Any time I can get under water is time well spent. I also love to shoot and/or tinker with firearms....including building several of my own.

Response by LTC Hillary Luton made Sep 14 at 2014 9:36 AM

2014-09-14T09:36:12-04:00

OK, I have one thing I like to do that is "all girl" (ok that's really not true, but hey, humor me) I like to get a pedicure. The massage chairs are nice and having someone pamper my tootsies is oh so relaxing. :-) Its even more enjoyable with a glass of wine and friend to go with.

But since that is only once in a while, I always have my wood burning to keep me relaxed and help me put the day off to the side.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2014 9:38 AM

2014-09-14T09:38:22-04:00

Me, I ride my bicycle. Granted I can get going 30+ MPH on the bike, and normally ride for hours at a time...but the effect is the same. The rhythm of the peddling and being outside alone helps for me to sort out my thoughts.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2014 11:37 AM

2014-09-14T11:37:30-04:00

I like to go to the gym and workout

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Sep 14 at 2014 6:31 PM

2014-09-14T18:31:47-04:00

Swimming

Response by PO3 Shaun Taylor made Sep 14 at 2014 7:44 PM

2014-09-14T19:44:08-04:00

I tend to write especially on rough days.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2014 11:50 PM

2014-09-14T23:50:44-04:00

Honestly mine is going on a drive. Espically on those days when I'm stressed or pissed beyond belief. I just picked up a longboard skateboard. Yeah I'm 25 childish but it's fun rolling around meeting other soldiers who board, and rolling around post or a local park joking listening to music and relaxing it helps more now since I'm kinda far from my family it helps.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2014 5:56 AM

2014-09-15T05:56:19-04:00

I like to go to the Beach, and just meditate. It has always been my peaceful place no matter what I may be going thru!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2014 6:02 AM

2014-09-15T06:02:54-04:00

Mine would have to be playing Avenged Sevenfold on my drumset...

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2014 9:50 PM

2014-09-17T21:50:43-04:00

I workout, or run. It helps me to relax, and helps to get everything off of my mind, and just to think clearly.

Response by SPC David Shaffer made Sep 17 at 2014 10:06 PM

2014-09-17T22:06:24-04:00

My outlet is my wife and kids. Family always has a way of easing your mind of the stresses of the day. I also love to read. I think it's a good way of taking your mind away from the real world for at least a little while and it helps spark your creativity. I have to say that one of my favorite things to do lately has been getting on RallyPoint and interacting with all of you. It's nice to help others going through many of the problems I have faced so that they don't have as hard of a time as I did when it happened to me.

Response by SPC Brandon Walker made Feb 19 at 2015 1:46 PM

2015-02-19T13:46:31-05:00

I go to the gym. Once my headphones are in, it's me and the weights. I can spend 3 hours in there, if I do my proper routine and wait 3-5 minutes between every set.

That's really my only relief, that and running. But it's so cold out, well, I haven't been running lately.

Response by SGT Alan Sledge made Mar 19 at 2015 7:41 AM

2015-03-19T07:41:13-04:00

I spend quality time with my wife. I don't drink. I don't smoke. I don't like the idea of supplements or energy drinks. I just spend time with the wife as much as possible. We run together, play ping pong outside, play Wii U, watch movies, whatever and it works really well for me. I cherish that time and find it more meaningful than anything else, really.

For anybody else out there that is battling depression or even thoughts of hurting themselves, talk to me. I'll listen. I know from a personal standpoint that it's really tough to go through the motions alone. And for everyone else, be sure to listen to what Soldiers are telling you, directly and indirectly.

Response by LTJG Robert M. made Mar 19 at 2015 7:43 AM

2015-03-19T07:43:08-04:00

Range time!!

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Mar 19 at 2015 1:42 PM

2015-03-19T13:42:32-04:00

My outlet is my photography. Sure it's one heck of an investment but I'm landing some gigs and making extra cash which is nice.

If anyone is interested you can see my work at benkeen.500px.com.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Mar 19 at 2015 2:51 PM

2015-03-19T14:51:52-04:00

Archery range....hunting gophers with a bow, shooting sticks at a bag in the yard or shooting at the indoor range. Also, if budget allows (and ammo available), rifle and/or pistol shooting. If none of that works, BEER. (sorry, had to say it!). Motorcycle rides, fishing, hunting, camping and vegetative state in front of TV are also pretty darn good!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2016 2:04 PM

2016-09-15T14:04:17-04:00

I'd have to say that my outlet is building rifles and taking them to the range. Range days when I'm off duty are such a great stress reliever, and good practice for a GM.

Response by SSgt Michael Hacker made Sep 22 at 2016 3:42 PM

2016-09-22T15:42:45-04:00

Guitar/songwriting, martial arts, occasionally "wasting" ammunition, riding my bike (once the temps here are sub-100°), and meditation.