Stop the Stress and Start the Fun!
Life can be stressful. There is simply no denying it! How you deal with the stress can determine its effect on you your health. A healthy way of dealing with stress is to indulge in activities that can take your mind off your problems. Recreation is one of the most effective methods of stress management out there. Not only can having fun reduce your anxiety and anger levels, it can also be a form of exercise! It’s a 2-for-1 deal!
Play Sports
One of the most recommended methods in reducing your stress is to engage in sports. Admittedly, I am not the most sporty person out there. I don’t normally partake in traditional team sports like basketball, football, and the like. However, I can cut loose with some bowling or disc golf!
Despite my aversion to them, team sports are a great way to release your stress and improve your social skills as well. You can gather your friends on the basketball court or sweat it out in tennis or badminton. These games help you focus on your team in winning the game rather than putting all your energy in worrying about your problems.
Another sport is to go hiking out or do mountain climbing. This sport not only improves your health with a good dose of exercise, you can also enjoy the scenery by hiking out with nature, which can be relaxing on its own merits. Fishing is also a good sport to relieve stress. If the fish aren’t biting, you can enjoy the scenery and reflect on your life. Anytime you can be outside enjoying your surroundings, you will have a clearer focus on what is important and the stress will melt away!
Try a Board Game
An enjoyable way to relieve stress without the need to sweat is a good round of board games. There are plenty of games that can divert your mind from stress and leaves a lot of room to think on how to win. Chess is a great option since you need to think of strategies on how to outwit your opponent and really don’t have the time to focus on your problems. Board games like Scrabble and Monopoly are fun, especially when you’re with your friends and families. Although, if you play with MY friends, it may not be so relaxing!
Internet Games
The Internet can be a good source of games that suite your tastes and provide a sufficient distraction. You can go for classics like an online crossword puzzle and Sudoku if you crave for intellectual activities which involves a lot of thinking. My personal recommendations usually involve flinging birds into pigs and matching delicious-looking treats to clear a level. You guessed it, Angry Birds and Candy Crush. These games provide hours of mindless entertainment that will be certain to keep your mind occupied and stress-free!
It’s Not Really About the Games
Despite all the sports and games that you can play in your free time, it all comes down to committing to NOT stressing about your problems. These activities are useless if you are still dwelling on your issues. Plus, if you don’t focus on the game, you will probably lose!
Learn to unplug your brain every now and then. As a dedicated and proud workaholic, I can say that even I need some mindless activity to distract me from time to time. Although my doctor would probably tell you I need to do more hiking and less Candy Crushing. Either way, it’s the simple things that can lighten your burden, even if only for a few minutes. Take some time for yourself and have some fun!
Speaking of Fun… Try Coloring at Home!
