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We've all felt it at some time or other—that huge knot that builds at the
back of your neck, sucks up your shoulders, and drives pain to your brain.
Stress! It's everywhere, and it's difficult to deal with. Our technological
world has made us instantly available to others, and whether it's the
Internet, cell phones, or our own personal life, stress can eat us alive if
we let it.
If you're feeling stressed, there are some simple steps to take and some
activities to try that can ease the pain in a fun or relaxing way:
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Juggle.
That’s right, juggle. The rhythmic slapping of the balls, clubs, or
rings on the palms of the juggler has a soothing effect. The arms are in
constant motion, which can produce a good aerobic workout (especially
under the leg and behind the back moves!). Mentally, your focus is on the
activity itself, so it can temporarily take your mind off other
problems—and of course, you are never finished. There is always another
trick, another prop, another challenge to work towards (if you want it).
Laurie Young at
Laughways teaches a seminar in juggling for Alzheimer’s patients,
because in her words, “the use of play in maintaining healthy older brains
is just [now] being medically recognized.”
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Joke.
Tell jokes. Have some fun. Pull a prank. Have a pajama day at work.
Laughter is therapeutic. If you don’t believe me, check out an
in-depth study done by Christine Puder, a hospital-based child life
specialist. In her report, she identifies ways in which laughter heals
physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Laughter really is the best
medicine!
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Gyrate.
Dance therapy is
alive and well. According to a report by the American Cancer society, “clinical
reports suggest that dance therapy helps in developing body image;
improving self-concept and self-esteem, reducing stress, anxiety, and
depression, decreasing isolation, chronic pain, and body tension, and
increasing communication skills and feelings of well being.
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Genuflect.
Many people have
suspicions of the positive effects of meditation and prayer, but there are
scientific studies that back it. If you’re curious, you can find summaries
of eleven such studies at
Scientific Studies Proving the Power of Meditation and Prayer.
For another look at
prayer, check out the article
GET
A Faith Lift!
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Journal.
Writing about
those stress-building events of your life actually reduces stress, in a
few different ways. First, it takes it from inside you and moves it
outside, onto paper. There, you can look at it, examine it, and deal with
it, WITHOUT reaching for an antacid tablet. For an in-depth look, check
out The Center for
Journal Therapy.
So juggle, joke, gyrate, genuflect, and journal your way to a new
stress-free you! Not only will you find relaxation, you’ll enjoy the process
too!
But don’t try to do
them all at once. If you happen to see someone kneeling by the side of the
road, swinging back and forth, juggling with one hand, journaling with the
other, and laughing out loud, I don’t suggest you try to do the same . . .
GET into a new habit! GET Stressless!
Charles Baker is a husband, a father, a
teacher, and a writer from Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada. His poetry
and prose have been published both in print journals and online for children
and adults, and he is currently a weekly columnist ("GET!") for
Universal
Personality. Check out his
website to learn more
about Chuck's current projects.
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