10 Weird & Unusual Ways to Reduce Stress — Part One
If you’re tired of the usual stress advice- meditation, exercise, etc you'll find gems here that no one talks about.
For this piece and the next one in this series, I will present you with some (20 in total) unconventional ways to lower your stress.
I personally haven't seen these being discussed anywhere.
I like things that are different.
Also, these are based on things I've personally tried out for myself to relieve stress and are also based on what some people I've known have tried.
I ask that you keep an open mind and test out a few of these methods yourself.
Let’s dive right in!
1. Masturbate
READ THAT AGAIN! Yes, you read right. Play with yourself, make love to yourself. What better time than now in May. May believe it or not is National Masturbation Month. You really do learn something new every day! Grab your vibrator, hand, kitchen utensil, phone, etc, and get pleasuring yourself.
2. Hang upside down
One of my LinkedIn connections swears by this method. She hangs upside down every day at least once a day using a yoga trapeze. She says hanging upside down makes you look at the world from a different perspective.
3. Gastronotherapy
This has nothing to do with gastroenterology (study of the digestive system) and everything to do with food. It's about unleashing your creativity in the kitchen and having fun coming up with different combinations. Don't get hung up on being a great cook. Just experiment with what you have. I once combined popcorn with vanilla ice cream. Yum Yum!
4. A change of scenery that's a bit out there
It's well known that a change in scenery does wonders for putting you into a different state. But don't just go to the usual places — your local park, cafe, etc. Get creative and visit places you usually wouldn't. I enjoy visiting cemeteries. It may sound macabre but I like the stillness and quietness of a cemetery. If it's not your thing check out other places that are a bit out there for you.
5. Get a different perspective from the radio
I'm a huge fan of community radio and here in Australia, we are so blessed with a thriving local community radio scene. But wherever you are I recommend you tune into a radio station and pick one you usually wouldn't listen to. I enjoy listening to Jailbreak. It's a one-of-a-kind program. Broadcast directly from jail by prisoners doing their time. It gives me a perspective I normally would never get unless I worked in prison or was in law enforcement.
6. Lego time
I have David Beckham the soccer star to thank for this idea. I once heard him say in an interview that he plays with lego to unwind and cope with stress. You can build entire kingdoms and cities if you let your imagination roam. Check out the original Lego store based in Denmark for inspiration.
7. Watch an old television series
When I was a child I loved watching the old re-runs of the 1960s television series Batman and Robbin. I have now started to watch them again, especially after I have a big day. There is something about old school cinema and tv that transports me to a different time and instantly makes me feel relaxed. Find your classic series.
8. Go to the movies, but in your mind
Recently I wrote a piece about writing a script for your life. During times of stress make a commitment to step into your script and let your mind fantasize. It's truly going to the movies, your inner movie which takes place all in your mind. No one has to know about it but you!
9. Put a wig on it
A former work colleague of mine swore by this method. She was a stripper at one point & so it may have something to do with it. She once told me she loved to put on a wig on days she had a lot on and get into the spirit of a different person. She would ask herself ‘Who shall I be today?” ‘Blonde and Wild?’ ‘Brunette and Mysterious’? ‘Curly and Innocent’? ‘Corporate and Assertive?’
10. Pinch the back of your ears
When I was in my final year of high school and doing my exams for university my friend Juhi used to say that pinching the back of her ears for at least five minutes did wonders at relieving her exam stress. It may have something to do with stimulating your pressure points which is part of Asian & Indian alternative therapies.
So there you have it — -10 alternative and somewhat unusual ways of relieving stress. To recap here they are:
- Masturbate
- Hang upside down
- Gastrontherapy
- A change of scenery that’s a bit out there
- Get a different perspective from the radio
- Play lego
- Watch an old television series
- Go to the movies in your mind
- Put a wig on
- Pinch the back of your ears
Most people just stick to the traditional ways of reducing stress which is okay but why not try something a little different?
Be willing to experiment and try new things.
That's how you step out of your comfort zone.
So give a couple of these a go and stay tuned for part two.
To Creating a Better You,
Sandra
Feel free to connect with me on Linkedln. I'm on there a lot!
P. S. Before this week finishes, make a commitment to try at least one of these methods.
