Ever have one of those days that you wish you could forget? Maybe it wasn’t a bad day or a very stressful day, but just one that used all of your energy? Of course you have. We all have. But what do you do at the end of that stressful day? What is your outlet to plug into and relax? Do you have a hobby or maybe go to the gym? All of that energy you used during the day, how are you refilling your cup? Outlets are very important resources to help get us through the craziness we face.
Making the outlet
One of the outlets some people use are hobbies. Depending on the hobby, it can get expensive. But hobbies are a great way to have something you really enjoy also be what you use to take your mind off the stress of the day. Any hobby will work, as long as you personally enjoy doing it. Something simple as crafts to more extensive like off-roading or flying. The objective is to be able to focus on an enjoyable task in front of you and stop thinking about the stress behind you.
Pushing the outlet
Another outlet that is very popular is working out. I wish I had this as a hobby. Going for walks, running around the neighborhood, or going to the gym. It doesn’t matter about the type of exercise, as long as it is safe and again, you enjoy it. Exercising is also proven to help in treating depression, anxiety, and even benefits those with ADHD. The endorphins not only give you energy, but also sharpen the mind. So maybe the next time you feel overwhelmed, walking around outside might be exactly what you need.
Trying a new outlet
With the age of technology and internet, gaming has become a stress reliever for many. This can have a negative effect, so be careful. I was playing simple puzzle games on my phone lately just to turn my mind off of all the overthinking I do. Most of the time it worked. The problem with gaming is that many online games have physical money requirement to be able to play them effectively.
But there is a new trend. Online gaming with others around the world. I started one of these games about a month or so ago. You have to use strategy to build your land. But you also rely on others to help you. This game can be enjoyable and relaxing. And I have made some really good friends from it. People that genuinely care about me and what I go through. Unfortunately, this is also a game that added to a person’s stress instead of helping it. I saw people get very angry and tense while playing the game.
Forming
Outlets are meant to be forms to help you disconnect your mind from the events of the day. A way to unwind and relax a little. Something to counteract the negativity the day has placed on your mental and physical health. Finding the right outlet is critical. You should not have moments in your outlet that push you to the brink of breaking down in anger or anxiety. You should not push yourself so far in exercising that you hurt yourself. There should not be any more strain and worry when focused on your hobbies.
When we are faced with life constantly challenging us and pushing us back, one of the best weapons we have to fight back is our outlets. That opportunity to have an element of positivity in our daily routine that turns down the volume of our stress. I love to write. Writing is a hobby for me. This blog has become an outlet I use weekly. To turn off the barrage of thoughts and worries in my mind and refocus on a topic for you. Or I might journal my thoughts to release them. Find what makes you happy. Something that brings you the moment of recentering yourself. That one thing that you can plug into and disconnect from the rest.
Enjoy this video.
With great warmth,
