If you’re not already stressed before reading this, you are one of the few. Stress is a major part of our daily lives, and if you’re a busy working woman, stress is probably your middle name. In addition, research has shown that stress directly relates to weight gain. When stressed, your body releases a molecule that stimulates fat cells to grow. However you choose to cope in stressful situations, unleashing your creative side may be a new and helpful technique.
Although these behaviors may sound juvenile, don’t deny the comfort you’ll receive from taking pleasure in these simple activities.
- Write.
Unleashing your feelings onto paper is a great way to work out frustration and stress. Often thinking up a story, no matter how short it may be, and concentrating on a plot line for it exercises your brain in a healthy and creative manor while taking your mind off other troubles.
- Draw.
Try scribbling on a sheet of scrap paper if you’re feeling bogged down. Working out your emotions (as ugly as your picture may be) can be very therapeutic. Try sketching a quick scene of where you would rather be. Stick figures and all don’t worry about the quality, but put your thoughts into your work and it will take you away from feeling stressed. If you have the time or notice you are stressed more often than not, purchase some cheep paint and grab some computer paper. I knew of a college student who finger painted weekly with friends to escape the pressures of constant studying.
- Daydream.
As a competitive swimmer, before a big swim meet, my coaches use to lead us in a group visualization of our races. Basically, it was a group daydream to relieve the pressures and worries of performing well. Before you go to sleep at night, or when you wake up in the morning, take a few minutes to let your mind wander. Visualize completing your daily tasks or imagine yourself floating away in relaxation. Simple daydreams like this can allow you to gain control of your day.
- Cook.
As silly as it sounds, making dinner for yourself, a friend or family members may help alleviate your stress as well. Cooking something healthy (when stressed we tend to eat poorly or excessively) and use dinner time to relax and feel creative with food and its presentation. Afterwards you’ll feel better for not giving into eating poorly as well.
These tricks plus others (listening to music, gardening, and exercise) may be just what you need to relieve pressure from every day life. Plus, sometimes resorting to our childhood habits can feel so good! What stresses you the most? How do you deal with stress? When you were young, how did you deal with frustration and stress, or how did your parents encourage you to deal with it?
