Coloring is also a good way to awaken your inner child and trigger happy thoughts, as childhood is typically associated with stress-free times.
2. Listen to audiobooks
Audiobooks are great for escapism during times of anxiety or panic. Ultimately, stories provide clear boundaries: a beginning, middle and end to universal dilemmas. For thousands of years, they have helped us make sense of the world around us, and non-fiction books, with in-depth analysis of facts and figures, broadly aim to do the same but in a different way.
In a visually overstimulated society, we use a completely different set of senses to absorb audiobooks. When audibly consuming things, you are able to absorb new information more passively.
A calming voice reading a book can provide companionship and a relaxing influence. Equally, if you are too distracted to concentrate on a book, they can help supply the comfort of reading without the effort of focusing on a page.
Additionally, listening to a good story can also promote empathy. Reading aloud to children can expose them to “different experiences, backgrounds, religions, identities and more to help your child find him or herself … as well as learn about other people’s lives. This will teach children the importance of empathy and kindness,’ says Amy Joyce in a Washington Post article. This is also true for adults as well.
3. Devour a podcast
Speaking of great audio options, podcasts are a great tool for multi-taskers or people who are now working from home full-time. There’s literally a podcast for everything!
Your favorite hobby, topic or area of interest is usually covered by a knowledgeable host who’s packed full of information. This non-visual format also allows you to divide your attention so you can focus on other activities throughout the day.