The path to resilience will not be identical for everyone. One option is expressive handwriting. This is an activity that a busy employee can utilize to take a brief mindful “vacation” from the day’s stressors.
Just locate a scenic photo, a pen or pencil, and paper. Take a few silent moments to closely examine the photo, then begin writing (not typing). What you write is less important than the act of sequential hand movements and creative expression which activate sections of the brain similar to meditation.
You can write a description of what you see or of the emotions or memories that the photo elicits. You can write a story, a poem, or a stream of thoughts. You can keep what you write or throw it away.
Expressive writing has been used effectively to treat anxiety, sleep disorders, and PTSD. It may be your next tool for managing stress and building resilience.
Thank you to our director of spiritual care & values integration, Tim Madison, for sharing this.
Leave a Reply