I don't think it's harsh at all :) I'm too (well) on my 30s and I've been thinking about these things a lot. I'll write a blog post on the subject later, because simple vs complex solution thing intrigues me.
True and those stresses experienced while sailing are more true than the ones experienced at work. You don't stress about deadlines when you are in front of the bear :)
Get on a bicycle and just ride somewhere (but nowhere in particular). Forces my mind out of deadline mode, since I can't know when I'll be back or when I'll get to where I'm going. Also, by removing myself from familiar surroundings, helps me forget things (like work) associated with them.
The danger you face on a bicycle is from motorized vehicles. You're not going to get mugged on a bike during the daytime unless you are very unwise. Ride a bike that isn't obviously valuable, don't wear fluorescent colors, don't stop to sightsee, don't stop for conversations, and don't expect your lock to help you if leave your bike unattended. In poor areas riding a bike is an indicator that you are poor or that you have lost your driver's license (which is another indicator that you are poor). As long as you don't contradict that impression you'll be fine.
For instance, when I lived near LA I would regularly bike all over, including through areas such as Compton.
For me, it's motorcycles / motorsports. Something that requires concentration so intense that it is impossible for your brain to stress about anything else.
In my 20s (quite a while ago now) I would run home from work a couple of days a week, roughly 70 to 90 minutes at a decent clip for a recreational runner. That tended to burn off a lot of stress.
Change meaning of stress, why stress, what is stress?
Can't you just sit there at work, drink your tea, enjoy the view outside the window, the birds, concrete, clouds and noise. Listen how people speak, phones ring, listen to this music, composition of life.
Problem? Turn around and walk away. If problem is not solved by then, then try different strategy. Experiment. Failures are essential to success.
More of life will not help you get away from life.
Also, I did not considered one important factor, you enjoy stress and have opinion that it is must be rid off. >:D
