Stress release is a challenging action to incorporate! Well, let me rephrase this, releasing stress in a healthy and daily manner is challenging for many. Sure, we relax on the weekends but a weekend warrior isn’t the best choice. Another challenge I have is when I am stressed I do not eat on a regular basis like I should and I crave sugar….does this sound like a similar situation for you?
As a coach, I ask people what they loved to do between ages 9 and 11. As a child, these are the ages prior to peer judgment or pressure from friends. Typically, what we love to do during these ages are our true relaxing action. In all the times I asked others I never thought of mine. When I stress and do not enter the kitchen I focus on reading, exercising, receiving a massage, or yoga. But none of these seemed to truly be the kid action reply I am searching for while coaching.
My parents didn’t even realize this Christmas but they had me realize my answer. As one of my Christmas gifts I received a personalized puzzle. I immediately opened it and started fitting the pieces together. Family members came and helped throughout the day while I enjoyed my time zoning out and trying to match the edges together. I came home with the puzzle only half completed, so and the next day I worked on it some more. I would take a break to go get another task completed then come back and fit another piece together. It is an action that my brain was thinking yet relaxing.
When I was young I would always put puzzles together, it was a fun thing for me and I loved having a finished product in the end. I finally found my childhood destressor!
I have already ordered another puzzle and will work to continue this action. So what is your stress relieving action? Reply below with what you loved to do between the ages of 9 and 11!