Traditional stress-reduction techniques usually include restful activities – long soaks in a warm bath, listening to soothing music, and meditation. While those activities work for many people, other people find themselves even more stressed by quiet contemplation or leisurely walks. Their favorite way to relax could be watching a fast-paced tennis match, playing an intense video game, or downhill skiing.
It Could Be How You Process Stress
When you're stressed, do you experience muscle tension, "butterflies" in your stomach, or a racing heartbeat? If so, you will probably find walking, deep breathing, or a sauna relaxing.
If you react to stress by worrying or with concentration problems, you might find relief in activities that force your mind to focus on something else – for example, by watching a movie or playing chess. What works for one person might not work another. And what brought you relaxation at one time might not work another time.
Maybe You Need Balance
You've heard it said, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." It also makes him a stressed boy. Variety provides relief for your body and mind. Yet, some people choose leisure activities that mimic their jobs: a computer programmer plays computer games, a construction worker lifts weights, and a bank teller keeps a coin collection. A better way to relax would be to find ways to play that complement the demands of your work. Look at this list of suggestions, and then come up with a few of your own.
| Job Stress |
Balanced By |
Leisure Activity Example |
| Sedentary |
Aerobic activity |
Swim, rock climb, aerobics |
| Mindless |
Intellectually challenging |
Learn a new language, take a community college class |
| Outside |
Inside |
Handball, weightlifting, or woodworking |
| Unstructured |
Detail or rule oriented |
Cross-stitch, softball, or tennis |
| Work Alone |
Team sports |
Soccer, volleyball, or water aerobics |
| Wear Uniform |
Casual clothing |
Hike, dance, or garden |
| Care-giving |
Pampering |
Write poetry, get a massage, or meditate |
| Below your skill |
Self-actualizing |
Anything that challenges you or stretches your skills |
| Customer Service |
Solitary |
Bike, fly-fish, or read |
| Dull |
Exciting |
Ski, skydive, or enter a relay race |
| Thankless |
Reward or end-product |
Volunteer, paint a fence, or mow the lawn |
| Predictable |
Creative |
Music lessons, art, creative movement |
| Work with hands |
Whole-body movement |
T'ai Chi or gymnastics |
| Mentally taxing |
Mindless, low-skill |
Watch a movie or go for a walk |
| Fast-paced |
Timeless |
Camp, tell a story, or attend a classical concert |
| |
When you sense yourself becoming tense – emotionally or physically – evaluate your daily activities. Do they complement each other by providing balance to your whole being? Pursue playtime activities that provide rest for over-used areas of your life, and stimulate neglected or under-used areas. |
