Write to Reduce Stress

When a stressful even occurs and your heart races, your feelings of anger and sadness threaten to overwhelm you and swamp your very existence, there are a number of successful strategies to get yourself back on track and to wind down. Exercise is often given as the number one response, and rightly too; nevertheless, we don't always have the energy to force ourselves to get out there and exercise out the blues. For those with a creative bent, writing can be incredibly cathartic and freeing. And after a good write, you might just find that energy to get outdoors and exercise!

Steps

 * 1) Decide where you will write. Some people love to write on their computer/laptop. Other people like to write with paper and pen. Use the method that won't cause additional stress; for some, the mere thought of typing reminds them of work, which in turn, stresses them more! Prepare the materials as needed.[[Image:Write to Reduce Stress Step 1.jpg|center]]
 * 2) Think about you want to write about. Don't over-think this part; usually a gut reaction will be sufficient. Generally you can write on any topic, or you can choose to write about the things causing you stress, or you can just write without even thinking of where the writing is going, just by using random thoughts, associations, and trusting your instincts. Writing to relieve stress can be:[[Image:Write to Reduce Stress Step 2.jpg|center]]
 * 3) *As simple as losing yourself in your writing (thereby stopping yourself thinking about the things that caused the stress)
 * 4) *Working through the issues that have upset you (if wished) - this is for those who are writing a journal, or are working through the specific issues in written form
 * 5) Write freely. Write without worrying about grammar, structure, anything. Just write what comes to mind and what feels right. Keep writing. If you're writing about the specific causes of the stress, try to address the reasons that are personally upsetting you without carrying the judgmental overtones of what you "ought to be thinking". You can resolve the irrational thoughts later - often writing it out will automatically do that for you.[[Image:Write to Reduce Stress Step 3.jpg|center]]
 * 6) Keep it private. As much as you might be tempted, blogging your blues is not a good idea. Not only can this turn into a whine-fest over time that bores your audience but it will impact your sense of writing and curtail the freedom with which you write out your stress. You must write for you, and not for anybody else. If this means keeping the writing under lock and key, or a password, then do so! Making your blues public is not a good idea in the moment; if you want to express the stressful issues in publishable creative writing later on, do it when you have distance and use your free stress relief writing as notes to inspire only. Writing to relieve stress only works if you don't feel like it's a performance for anybody.[[Image:Write to Reduce Stress Step 4.jpg|center]]
 * 7)  Continue for as long as needed. Only you will know the amount of time needed; it could be as little as 5 minutes, or as long as a few hours. Let your feelings be the judge. And if you feel better, why not take a walk, run, or bike ride? Or turn out the light and get a good night's sleep![[Image:Write to Reduce Stress Step 5.jpg|center]]

Tips

 * Write in a comfortable position; if you're already stressed and you allow yourself to write hunched over a computer, things will only get worse for you. Be comfortable at the start!
 * Stretch your muscles beforehand, to keep from putting stress in your fingers or hands.

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