High-tech stress management

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We all have stress in our lives – looming deadlines, squabbles with friends and family, or demands of life in general. Fortunately, de-stressing can be as easy as a touch of a screen or a click of a button. Read on to learn how your favourite digital device can be a convenient and quick anti-stress elixir.

Online games for stress relief
You may think online games are child’s play, but you’d be surprised at how many free online gaming options are available that can help you manage your stress level. By concentrating on the game, you change your mind’s ‘channel’ and relax as you focus away from the source of stress. Just playing one online game that requires your full attention for a few minutes can immediately reduce your stress level! Be aware, however, that some online games can be habit forming. So stick with non-addictive games that focus on simple tasks, such as:

• Stress relief paintball
• Solitaire
• Sudoku 

Perhaps you’ve never considered your family’s gaming system as a stress reliever, but many systems offer programs that engage the mind and body, helping to reduce stress. By strapping on a controller, or standing on a board, you are transported into the game, so to speak. It’s not only fun, but it’s also a workout – one of the best ways to combat stress.

Online support groups and stress management programs
Not the type to join an in-person support group, but feel that you could benefit from sharing with those who have faced similar issues? Then an online support group may be for you. With a click of your mouse, you can find countless groups online that are working through personal struggles and learning new coping mechanisms. Even if you choose not to participate, just reading other people’s stories can help to reduce your stress. According to the Mayo Clinic, the benefits of joining an online support group include: 

• Feeling less lonely or judged
• Reducing distress, depression or anxiety
• Improving your coping skills

While an online support group can help you manage your stress, it shouldn’t replace standard medical care.

Online programs provide convenience, privacy and a more structured digital experience. For example, LifeWorks·fgi’s Online Stress Management Program begins with a detailed stress assessment that captures and highlights your most significant sources of stress. From there, you can take advantage of expert articles, interactive action planning and goal setting; all designed to help you make positive changes through proven clinical stress management techniques.

Reducing stress through social media 
Love it or hate it, social media is here to stay. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr and hundreds of other sites have been designed to help us reach out to a broad audience very easily. Whether you’re a frequent poster, a reluctant participant or just a browser, you can put social media to work for you and help you reduce your stress level.

YouTube is the world’s most popular video-sharing website, where you can upload, share and view videos.
By spending a few minutes surfing the site, you’re bound to find videos that can elevate your mood and reduce your stress level. For example, you can:

• Play fun, upbeat music videos from your teenage years and enjoy the trip down memory lane                     
• Teach yourself how to dance – it’s great for your physical and mental health                                              
• Find comedic relief watching the latest stand-up comedians – an instant stress reliever
• Learn about new hobbies through instructional videos – such as how to meditate or how to paint

Pinterest is a free virtual corkboard that allows you to ‘pin’ and share interesting or inspiring things you find on the web. You can also browse other people’s boards, which is particularly fun when you discover those who share your interests. Pinterest can also help you set goals and manage stress; for example, when scrapbooking meets journaling combined with your favourite magazines online.

Relieving stress with apps
Many people are starting to discover the wide array of applications (apps) for your mobile device specifically designed to keep your stress levels under control – whether it’s through doodles, serene scenes and sounds, better organization or health and wellness information.