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Wake Up Your Mind
The monotony of our lives can sometimes put us in automatic mode. The inner zombie seems to take over and we aren't really functioning wide awake anymore. It's like doing the same drive back and forth to the office everyday. You suddenly realize you are half way home and are wondering how you got there Not that us road warriors do that same drive everyday, but we still fall into the monotony and auto mode. Maybe it’s time to wake up your mind. Doing so puts your mind in high gear. This doesn't so much relieve stress, but makes it easier to deal with the stress in our lives. Coping with stress better in itself relieves stress. So the question is, how do we wake up our minds? There are several things I have tried and have found success with. Taking a class to learn something new, playing mind games(ahh, no not that kind) and/or getting a hobby.
I used to think about taking a class to learn something new, but with my travel schedule, it was never a real possibility. However, with the change in education to accommodate different lifestyles, it is so easy I can't think of anymore excuses not to. You can take classes at a local community college or community center. Both usually offer some type of weekend courses. Online will allow you to take courses from anywhere anytime with just a connection to the internet. Try taking a course in something not job related that you have an interest in. Try learning a new language (see review on Best Ways to Learn a New Language). Ever wonder about the stars? Try an astronomy class. You can even take what you have learned and turn it into an opportunity to reconnect with family or friends. How about a star gazing camping trip?
Another way to wake up your mind is to try some mind games. Try a brain training program. This has become a new wave controversy as to whether it has any real scientific benefits or not, but then I am not a scientist and the only claims I can make are based on my own personal experience. They say it can help ward off dementia and Alzheimer’s later in life. I'll have to let you know my experience on that much, much later. I can tell you that it does help set my pace for thinking quickly and getting things done. Forward motion without getting stuck on one thing is definitely a stress blocker. It stands to reason that if we exercise our bodies, no harm can come from exercising our minds as well. There are many brain training programs out there. Just google it and you'll find a never ending array of them. Which are the best? That I can't be sure of as I have not tried them all. You can find ones that are online, installed on your pc, even ones that are made for the nintendo game system. I tried Lumosity which offered a free trial and a low monthly fee to continue. Go ahead and try it for 2 weeks. If it does nothing for you, its easy to cancel online before your trial period ends.
How about a hobby? Maybe you already have one and haven't spent much time with it or maybe you don't. If you do have one, make a point of getting back to it. Put it on your schedule if you have to, and when something has to fall off, try your best not to make it be the first thing. Remember, you are the most important part of the whole life equation here, so keeping yourself healthy and happy is top priority. If you don't have one, get one! Not sure what to do? Try walking around a craft store, maybe something will pop into your head. Maybe you have a friend that has a hobby. Ask them to share it with you to see how it suits you. Try some kind of crafting class like painting or scrap booking. Pick a hobby that will allow you to involve family and friends. This makes a perfect opportunity to spend quality time and reconnect with them also. Remember, you don't have to be Picaso or Van Goh to enjoy it.
If crafting isn't your thing, try a sport such as bike riding, hiking, canoeing or diving. All can be done in clubs or groups which adds more fun. Many of these can also open opportunities to intertwine with your work travel. When you are traveling out of town, make use of the internet and find a place where you can enjoy these activities in a new locale. If you want something a little more passive, try something like collecting antiques. It can be a great girls day out going from antique shop to antique shop. Get in the car and drive somewhere new. Again, the internet can be your best friend in finding shops. This also can be one to add a little bit of non work to your travels. Make a point of finding and visiting one antique shop where ever you travel.
All of these will help wake up your mind. If you keep it awake by adding new things to your life and daily activities, it can help reduce the stress in your life. Don't forget, anything that makes you smile, feel good, renewed, combats stress. So what are you waiting for?
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