Now that I’m attempting to write a blog every day it will be interesting to see my daily and monthly mood fluctuations. These past few days I’ve been focused a lot on strategies to destress and remove anxiety from my life. I’d like to see if this time next month has me hyper-focused on the same strategies.
It seems odd to be anxious when I’m on vacation, but the extra time that I have has given me extra time to ruminate. (If you’re curious about rumination, or the constant repetition of negative thoughts, check out this article on anxiety.org).
So what do I do when I feel overwhelmed by daily stresses? Here are five things that I find extremely helpful:
Art as therapy. In my five-year art learning journey, I at first was just seeking to improve my ability to draw and paint what I see. But I also discovered that during those moments when I was super focused on painting additional watercolor washes or shaping the curve of a leaf, I wasn’t ruminating, and I wasn’t focused on life’s problems. I felt utterly relaxed. Even when I was just sketching and doodling, I was able to feel my stresses melt away.
Listening to the Spa music playlist on Apple music. Whenever I’ve been lucky enough to go to a spa, I’ve always loved how the soothing sounds of wind chimes and soft music could bring on an instant sense of tranquility. One day I searched “spa” on my iPhone and discovered the Spa music playlist. Pop this on and put on some headphones, and I’m instantly transported to Zen island.
Listening to the Meditations Minis podcast. Hosted by hypnotherapist, Chel Hamilton, this podcast focuses on short (usually around 10 minutes) meditations that will teach you about breathing, meditation, and visualization techniques. Even if I don’t feel like I have time, I search for the 5-minute sessions, and I’m feeling peaceful just a few minutes later.
Listening to the Happiness Lab podcast. Yale professor Dr. Laura Santos goes to science to explain stress and anxiety and how to overcome those feelings and move toward feeling happier. From looking at the science of noise and anxiety to dealing with self-criticism to exploring what the ancients like Socrates had to say about happiness, Dr. Santos provides solid science-backed tips for feeling better.
Five minutes of stretching or yoga. I have always found that getting in touch with my body through stretching and yoga (and deep breathing) helps me to reduce stress almost instantly. And I don’t have to set aside an hour to stretch — just five minutes and I’m focused on my body awareness and not on my anxious thoughts.
Even just doing one of these things has the ability to release the tight bands that can constrict my chest when I’m anxious and help me to breathe easier. Sometimes finding happiness takes a little bit of effort, but it is so very worth it. Try it out and let me know what your tips are for dealing with stress and finding happiness.
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