Nine times out of ten I can connect a feeling or emotion to an activity.

Surfing is one of the only things in my life that I struggle to put into words the feelings and joy that come with it.

I think it’s very important to find an outlet that can elicit such emotions.

Let’s talk about some ways to get started on finding the right outlet for you. I’m going to review three categories that I know work for people, and how you can start on tapping into that release.

Physical

My main outlets are obviously under the Physical category as I am a firm believer that movement promotes creativity, can be therapeutic and helps manage stress. Choose wisely as your brain may process some physical activities as another layer of stress.

Examples: (CrossFit, Running, Yoga, Surfing, Skating, Snowboarding, Hiking, Swimming, Weightlifting, Walking, Biking, Skiing, etc.)

Creative

Creating new neural pathways in the brain is a great way to keep your brain healthy, slow the aging process and make dealing with stress easier. You can always teach an old dog new tricks and what’s more fun than learning something new? My creative outlet recently has been re-entering the world of drumming and learning new patterns and grooves.

Examples: (Drawing, Painting, Puzzles, Writing, Signing, Music, Scrapbooking, Designing, Dancing, etc.)

Therapeutic

Therapy is such an important part of growth but the word holds such a stigma in our culture. Having an unbiased opinion from someone who is educated in helping you feel better and find creative solutions to your “problems” is so helpful. Talking is a simple solution and great tool to further your growth as a human.

Examples: (Mindset Coaching, Professional counselor, family or friend) 

* Enter the session with an intention. Write down your thoughts and emotions connected to them throughout the week. If you are meeting with a friend or family member, let them know ahead of time what you are looking for ie; to simply listen, to give advice, or give encouragement.

Outlets are not exclusive and a combination of the three is most powerful, but we all know time is precious and our schedules can be wildly different on a weekly basis.

Pick one, dedicate some time to it and don’t judge yourself or the experience. Let it be what it is and enjoy every moment that you are in it.

What outlet will you find this week?

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