Let’s make a 5 point action plan of how we can reduce anxiety about the situation. In this blog, we will cover the fourth point, Change the Channel: Engage Your Mind in Other Hobbies - Transform that nervous energy into something productive!
This is something that all adults have to do from time to time when taking care of children. When emotions get too intense, or a conflict arises, sometimes it’s as simple as changing the channel and switching to something productive and positive. This is also a useful technique for all of us, children and adults alike!
I think we probably all have activities we wish we could do more of, but we never had the time before. The best activities are those which get our creative juices flowing, that really engage our mind and stop us thinking.
Here are some examples that people may find useful:
We could take an online course, such as the Meaning of Life Experiment that I’ve developed, which helps us find more happiness, meaning and purpose in life. You can download the free app at www.themeaningoflife.tv
We can read inspirational books - biographies, historical accounts, or fictional books of people overcoming obstacles. We need constant reminders that this is possible and that we are not alone in this.
We can listen to audiobooks
We can learn to play an instrument
Many people find gardening very relaxing
Or a good relaxing conversation
Any kind of fun, creative hobby, even knitting, design, arts and crafts.
Walking in nature helps us Re-Engage with Joy
And creative writing can be very therapeutic
What are some other positive substitute activities we can do? We can bake that new recipe we discovered on Instagram. We can find a creative way to do something positive for others like a fun video, or initiate a group chat. We can make more of an effort to connect to others, even if we don’t feel like it. Although we may be isolated, modern technology gives us avenues to overcome it, so we don’t feel alone.
Ashok
Ashok Gupta is the Director of the Gupta Program. He has dedicated his life to helping people get their life back from Chronic Illness, improving people’s well-being, and helping them achieve their potential. He has been teaching meditation around the world for over 15 years. He runs a global e-clinic specializing in treating ME, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia & Multiple Chemical Sensitivities – guptaprogram.com
Ashok has spent many years researching the brain neurology of emotion and linking well-being tools with science. He has published medical papers on the basis of stress-related illnesses. He has appeared in many media as an expert on stress on the BBC, CNN, Guardian Newspaper, ITV, The Independent, and many others.
He wrote and presented the Meaning of Life Experiment which is a Free, Award-winning Meditation and Self-Development App www.themeaningoflife.tv
He also works with companies around the world, teaching courses in Leadership, Time Management, and Personal Development. www.ashokgupta.tv