Using Stuff for Stress

There’s a feeling that people have been consistently describing, especially lately. It’s this feeling of blank-ness. This staring at their computer screen, knowing there is something they should be doing, but this blank energy, this uncertainty, this complete lack of motivation is all they can muster. During these unprecedented times, when so much is unknown, when so much feels helpless and confusing, and you need a moment to regroup, try starting by engaging some positive memories. Bring back something comforting from a time when there was more freedom and control. It might be a song, a recipe, a ritual, a pre-game stretch rotation, a photo album, or an old sweatshirt. Maybe extend this cerebral reminiscing to the kids, even. Help them look back on some good times in the same way. Recalling positive memories slows cortisol in your system and allows for stronger connectivity in the prefrontal cortex. When well connected, this is the place in your brain where you can more easily make decisions, stay focused, plan ahead and express personality. So bring those memories to life with your stuff. Add stories if you have them. Let these memories strengthen your brain response and drown out the chaos, even for just a few minutes.