The Best Tool for Calming Stress: Writing

The news cycle may be fast, but the relentless incoming headlines and other sources of anxiety are a slow burn on our consciousness and tolerance for stress. We are living in unprecedented times, with an onslaught of things to worry about coming at us daily. What can we do to tame the storm, deal with uncertainty, and reclaim peace?

Write.

Renowned life coach Marth Beck argues in her latest book Beyond Anxiety that creativity is the ultimate antidote to anxiety and I couldn’t agree more. She references another book—Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Rose—in discovering the power of spending a few minutes in a creative endeavor to boost wellbeing and turn the volume down on rattled nerves. Beck calls it “medicine for your happiness” and suggests that you pick an activity without thinking about the end result. You don’t have to share it with anyone.

While you can certainly choose to paint or draw, dance or cook, I think the act of writing is ideal. You don’t need any fancy equipment or a large space. Take a journal and go sit outside in the sun for the dual impact of combing art and nature. Some prompts to consider:

• What is something you’ve learned about yourself in the past year?

• If you could write a letter to your younger self, what advice would you give?

• What are five things you’re grateful for today?

Tomorrow morning, instead of grabbing your phone first thing in the morning and scrolling or checking email, see if you can take five to ten minutes writing and then see how much better your day goes. You’ll set the tone on your own terms, be more productive, and finish feeling accomplished and at peace.

Credit: Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash