Fun Stress Management Activities
Healthful Vitality | 10/06/2021 | By NP Contributor | Fun Stress Management Activities
Stress means different to various individuals, and the source of stress may also differ among individuals. Nonetheless, there is one similarity between all those living with stress. They are not able to overcome constant and fearsome thoughts.
For some, the source of these fearful thoughts could be some unpleasant past experiences. For others, stress is due to some perceived threat, worries about the future, feeling of insecurity, fear of not being able to do something, meet the expectations of others.
Be it the thoughts of the past or worry about the future. In those living with stress, these thoughts keep coming back, thus reducing their chances of overcoming stress. It creates a kind of vicious circle.
That is why studies show that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) could be the most effective way to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional disorders. In CBT, specialists teach individuals to break this vicious circle of negative and fearsome thoughts, overcome stress, alter behavior. However, the same can be established to a great extent by practicing certain hobbies.
When choosing stress management activities, it may be a good idea to get out of your comfort zone. Instead of practicing something you know well, it would be better to do something different and challenging. It would ultimately result in greater psychological impact and satisfaction.
Start practicing sports
Sports is one of the best ways to manage stress. It could be any sports like running, walking, trekking, or even training in the gym. However, one may have to make a proper plan, invest in sports. It may even involve changing wardrobe, buying gadgets, joining a sports club. It will take considerable effort to alter the lifestyle and overcome stress.
Start practicing arts, coloring, drawing
It is an excellent way to overcome stress. For example, one may start practicing traditional art forms, drawing with pencil, creating watercolor, or oil painting. Another approach could be to start practicing digital arts, 2D or even 3D graphics. Here options are many, and most art forms are highly relaxing and engaging.
Photography
Good thing these days is that one does not need to invest a lot in equipment. One may even start photography with a cell phone. Once you start learning, you will understand that a lot can be achieved with a cell phone. Photography is not just about capturing images. It is about specializing in a certain type of photography like portraits, landscapes, and so on. Further, it involves learning the image editing process. It could be quite a rewarding hobby.
Gardening
It is among the most recommended hobbies for stress relief. However, it may require access to some space, which could be a limiting factor for many.
Learn dancing
Hobbies involving greater physical movement are also better at relieving stress. Thus, dancing could be a good option.
Learn music
Learning to play music is also quite a rewarding hobby. It also provides one a way to express. It requires lots of attention and thus may help forget problems. One may need lessons in the early stages.
Learn cooking
Poor dietary choices and eating ultra-processed foods are some of the reasons for high stress among adults. On the other hand, learning to cook may help improve health and enhance your social life, inviting friends more frequently.
Finally, it would be important to understand that some activities like stretching, meditating, dancing, may provide short-term relief. However, hobbies are good for relief from chronic stress. They work better if a person is more deeply engaged and invested in these hobbies.
(Related Article: Powerful Coping Strategies for Stress)