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| silhouette of a woman against sunset background/Pictures By Jill Wellington on Pixabay |
Activities that divert attention and demands from yourself can rest and refresh the mind. We use distraction, focus, and simply “being” for this purpose automatically, whether we realize it or not. Binge-watching television series, exercising or playing chess, and daydreaming are examples. But life is full of stress. Having some additional coping strategies can help relieve that stress and restore a feeling of control to the body and mind. Here are six options to consider.
1. Practice
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| Woman doing crunches/pictures by 5132824 on Pixabay |
It may sound strange to call exercise a relaxing activity, but moving your body creates changes that help clear your mind and relax your body, especially if you're chronically stressed. A short walk at lunch can do the same job as a harder or longer move. Dancing, playing ping pong, or lifting weights can also help. You don't need to run a marathon to get benefits like this although that's okay too. Do something that makes you happy, and enjoy your overall health score improving.
2. Observe People
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| Busy city/Picture Bay sofi5t On Pixabay |
Most of our time is spent waiting. Instead of worrying or feeling frustrated that you're stuck and can't complete the twelve other tasks you need to complete today, look around you. Public transit lines and grocery stores provide a glimpse into other people's lives. Maybe a young mother who is struggling with a tantrum-throwing toddler could use your seat on the bus. Maybe you're wondering what dinner will be like as the elderly couple in front of you argue over prices and remove items from their basket. Has the businessman with a dozen roses found love? What will students do for the world? Even if you never know the truth, getting out of your own head can provide insight and freedom, which is always a valuable thing. This also helps the waiting time pass more pleasantly.
3. Nature
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| Appearance of the Beach in the Afternoon/Pictures By Fadhila Aulia On Pixabay |
Walking or sitting in a natural environment is an opportunity for healing. Nature does not demand anything from us, but gives so much. Peaceful colors, fresh oxygen, and a variety of pleasant textures and sounds are conducive to finding a place for contemplation or watching the clouds pass by. The change of seasons can bring back happy memories or give hope for new ideas. Wide stretches of trees and mountain streams with flowing water take us away from the worries that take up so much of our time, but a simple garden or even indoor plants can give us hope every time we look at them.
4. Meditation
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Meditation/pPicture By Kalyanayahaluwo On Pixabay
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Today many people still practice the ancient art of meditation in one form or another. Research shows this has physical and mental benefits. People with conditions such as depression, anxiety, and chronic pain may respond positively to meditation techniques, and those undergoing treatment for conditions such as cancer are often encouraged to add meditation to their daily routine. With so many shapes to choose from, it's easy to try different techniques to find a match. From focusing on breathing to guided meditation, there may be some that suit you. Try Qigong, for example. Read about this topic or check the options for local instructions. Of the many types of meditation, most have in common the need for uninterrupted time in a peaceful and safe location.
5. Animals
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| Cat/Pictures By Cloud11 On Pixabay |
If you have a cat or dog, you are probably familiar with the peaceful feeling that looking at an animal gives or simply stroking its fur. The heartbeat slows, and the mind calms. If you don't have a pet, you can still interact with a variety of species when visiting or volunteering at a butterfly house, zoo, aquarium, or even a friend's house. Animal shelters can always use good volunteers. Some also have foster care programs for those who cannot adopt. Walking the dog, socializing the puppy, or taking the pet for a weekend visit here and there gives you and the pet time to focus on something different. There is a magical peacefulness to being around animals. They deserve friendship and attention just as much as you do.
6. Play
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| Mother Who Blows Bubbles with Her Son/Picture By marvelmozhko On Pixabay |
We tend to lose the freedom of play as we get older, but it can be rediscovered when a new family member is born. It can also be cultivated through hobbies, sports, and other activities. Take an art class or just buy some art materials. Go swimming. Work puzzle. Complete a craft project or two for Meli
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