4 Unusual Ways to Reduce Stress

We all know how unhealthy stress is on the mind and body and have heard how useful traditional methods of relaxation like meditation, exercises and proper diet are. Here are a few less obvious tactics for reducing stress that happen to work for me.

Busywork for Your Hands

There is something about performing intricate handiwork that is oddly satisfying. Practicing a hobby that requires mindful manipulation of the hands opens up different parts of the brain than what we use for verbal and written thought, and there is a calm that comes with being able to sit or pace quietly while keeping that constant little voice in your head occupied with you hand based hobby. I do card flourishes and close up magic, but others find the same relief in hobbies like knitting, woodcraft, lace making or any thing involving the elaborate manipulation of tools. One of the most pleasurable parts of learning a craft that involves intricate hand movements is watching your own progress from clumsy, focused practice to where you are entirely unconscious of the work as you are doing it. Not only is this a great way to reduce stress, you are also left with a tangible result, whether it be a craft or new skill.

Reading Calvin and Hobbes in the Bathtub

People have long praised the physical, mental and emotional benefits of a relaxing bath, often recommending the addition of scented oils, soaps and candle light. I don't doubt these are all pleasurable, but let's not over look the simple joy of bathtub and a Calvin and Hobbes treasury. If you are concerned if you may betoo old to be reading Calvin and Hobbes in the bathtub, not to worry. My highly scientific survey of Twitter users as to whether you can be too old to so was met with an unanimous "never" including the opinion of some biker named Blade. Adding bubbles might be pushing it.

Research the Crap Out of Something

Another unusual method to reduce stress is to immerse yourself in research on a particular topic. No how mundane the subject matter, you will always find surprising twists and turns once you scratch patch the surface. Becoming immersed in such an investigation is a great way to reduce stress. With nearly any topic, there is a never ending adventure of investigation to be done, and you'll find that you are traveling further and further from the normal world with each new find. In a way, this is similar to the concept of groking that science fiction writer Robert Heinlein wrote about at length. To grok an object or concept is to understand it complete fullness including everything about it's history, physical qualities, associations, economics, coming at the topic from every conceivable angle. When you dedicate yourself to truly researching and considering a topic with the intent of fully understanding it, it quickly becomes clear just what an incredibly textured and nuanced world we live in.

Urban Shelling

After returning from a vacation to a beach that had a good bit of sea glass washed upon its shore, I found that bits of glass were still catching my eye when I was walking in the city. Eventually I gave in to the temptation to pick up an interesting piece, and I've since found an unexpected joy in picking up the curious debris of urban and suburban life. This hobby, which I like to refer to as urban shelling, can open up a whole new world on mundane walks from point A to point B as you take a moment aside with found objects that have washed up on the sidewalks and alleys of our society. I have an article here on AC that discusses urban shelling in further detail as well as collection of some of my more interesting finds to date locate here.