According to the Library of Congress website, there is scientific consensus that the likelihood of two large snow crystals being identical is zero.
Like snowflakes, humans are unique, and no two people, even those who share DNA,are exactly alike. Our developmental histories, personalities, temperaments, interests, life experiences, relationships, and genetics are just some of the factors which make us who we are.
So just as each person responds differently to stress, each person also responds differently to stress management tools.
There are numerous stress management techniques accessible through books, apps, podcasts, and the internet. Many of them are excellent. But the process of sorting through them can cause as much stress as it alleviates.
Some of the stress management techniques I typically suggest to clients include:
Mind-body approaches such as meditation, mindfulness, grounding exercises, and yoga. Sports and exercise. Creative outlets such as music, art, dance, and writing.
Relaxing books, movies and shows. Time with animals, or funny animal videos. Cognitive behavioral therapy techniques (CBT) like recognizing irrational thoughts, and developing alternate thoughts. Puzzles, games, and mental exercises. Reaching out to friends and family, or spending time alone. Being in nature. Sleep and rest. Sensory comforts like weighted blankets, essential oil diffusers, or fidget tools. Cooking, baking, and comfort foods. Laughter and silliness.
My job as a therapist, however, is not only to provide strategies, but to help each person assess which strategies work best for them.
Many years ago, I played music and sang, but stopped because it was too stressful. Just this week, I bought a ukulele, and am having great fun with it. It’s impossible to take the ukulele too seriously. It’s a perfect stress management tool for me, but certainly wouldn’t work for everyone.
My job is to help each person find their own unique, individual ukulele.
Author: Karen M. Seif, LCSW, LICSW