Want to Reduce Stress? Check Out These Childhood Habits - 4th Week
By Genevieve Cunningham
It often seems that the older we get, the more stress we experience. As kids, most of us are relatively stress free. As teens, we begin to feel the stresses of life in the way of major tests and part-time jobs. As adults, we begin to really add stress to the mix. Full-time employment, relationships, kids, community obligations … the list could go on forever. While a little stress is really OK, too much can lead to serious health implications. To get your stress levels under control and manage it long-term, check out these fun little ways to cope.
Play
It’s actually a bit difficult to play as an adult. It’s almost as if we forget how to play along the way, and it can be more exhausting than work. But, if you can find ways to play and have some fun, it can seriously reduce stress levels. Grab some friends and play a sport. Take some kids to the park and swing or slide. Buy some board games and puzzles and set up shop in your living room. There are so many ways to have a little fun, so choose one and relax.
Create
The act of creating something is soothing to the soul. You’ve been wanting to make wooden signs? Do it. Feel like painting? Buy some paints and get busy. Create something new and exciting. Write a poem, make a craft, build a table. Just use your brain and body to develop something new, and your stress levels are more likely to go down and stay there.
Color
This one is hot in the world of psychology lately. Adult coloring is a thing. The repetitive motions, the act of creation, and the flashback to childhood all have a calming effect on the body and mind. You’re welcome to buy the latest princess or Mickey Mouse coloring book at your local store, or you can search the internet for adult centered coloring books that portray complicated designs and pictures.
Stress is unlikely to completely disappear from your life any time in the near future. It’s just a part of the ride, and learning to deal with it is part of the experience. Management is necessary for both success and happiness. Try adding some of these fun childhood habits back into your life. You may find your stress levels go down, your mind regains some peace and calm, and you begin to feel better than you have in years.