Use Leisure Time to Cope With Stress

Use Leisure Time to Cope With Stress Stress Management Management Techniques Relaxation Print Use Leisure Time to Cope With Stress By Elizabeth Scott, MS twitter Elizabeth Scott, MS, is a wellness coach specializing in stress management and quality of life, and the author of 8 Keys to Stress Management. Learn about our editorial policy Elizabeth Scott, MS Updated on July 24, 2019 OJO Images/Getty Images More in Stress Management Management Techniques Relaxation Physical Techniques Time Management Effects on Health Situational Stress Job Stress Household Stress Relationship Stress Being busy people, most of us have at least some ambivalence about doing nothing. Most people carry a heavy load of responsibilities for work and family and need to remain productive. Our time is valuable, and we dont want to waste it. (Even when on vacation, many people not only structure their schedules and over-plan activities but bring work along with them as well!) Unstructured time, leisure time may feel like wasted time to many. Interestingly, however, sometimes we need to spend some idle time relaxing so that we can remain productive. Because too much of the wrong kind of unmanaged stress can lead to decreased motivation and even burnout, its important to find effective coping strategies for this stress and taking a break to do what feels like nothing can be a key to managing this stress. Leisure time helps us to cope with stressful days. Leisure Activities for Stress Relief There are several activities we may be drawn to during times of stress. We may think were just being lazy but sometimes we know what we truly need more than we realize; we all need a healthy balance between hard work and rest. Everyone needs some downtime so they can have the energy to keep working their hardest when they need to. The following activities can be restorative and can relieve stress so you can be at your best most of the time. Try one of these next time you feel the need to restore balance in your life with a little leisure and relaxation: Watch Television Many people think of watching television as a waste of time. And, to be sure, it is possible to waste hours upon hours a week watching t.v. and never run out of quality shows to watch. Too much television can cut into the time we have for regular-life activities, to be sure, but t.v. can be an effective stress relief option as well. It has been demonstrated that we get a lift in the mood by watching re-runs of our favorite shows, and this emotional lift can translate into a decrease in stress levels as well. Play Games When I suggest game-playing, I do not mean the games people play in relationships, of course; those can be much more stress than theyre worth. But other types of games can be wonderfully relaxing. (Yes, Im even recommending video games!) Online games connect us with our friends, people we enjoy but may not have the time to interact with as much as wed like. Strategic games keep us mentally sharp and can bring out creativity. Casual games can provide a mental break. And then there are board games and group games, perfect for a family game night! Whether you choose a quick game of solitaire or a night of games with friends, dont forget to play. Curl up With a Good Book Whether you choose a thriller, a tea-cozy mystery, or the latest book that all your friends seem to be reading (if your friends are readers), engaging with a good book is something that adults need to do more of and can be a wonderful stress management strategy. Reading is wonderful in that it can be done anytime there are a few spare minutes to be stolen, or the activity can take up an afternoon. The physical and emotional time-out that a good book provides, combined with the mental escape, are all great for helping us remove ourselves from whatever stressful situations we may be facing in life. So go ahead and relax with a good book, guilt-free! Do Nothing While many people find it more challenging at first, literally doing nothingâ€"thinking nothing, feeling nothing, doing nothingâ€"is a wonderful stress management tool that can be utterly transformative. Im talking about the practice of meditation. Allowing your mind to completely clear and remain clear is counter-intuitive, but relaxing both physically and emotionally. It takes some practice at first,  but the benefits include long-term stress relief and a reduction in reactivity to stress as well, among other benefits. Whichever strategy you choose, the point is that relaxing and spending time in leisure is not just a luxury, it is a necessity for a balanced, less stressed life. Enjoy it!