How to Manage Stress by Using the Internet
Updated: 09/20/2022 – Everyone has some amount of stress in their lives. From family issues to financial worries to keeping a roof over your family’s heads. Some problems cause more stress than others. And everyone handles stress differently. Some talk it over with others, some bottle it up inside, while others look for stress-busting ways to relieve it. So here’s how you can manage stress by using the Internet.
Instead of mindlessly cruising through the Internet for cute puppy videos or celebrity love affairs, this is an opportunity to try some overall self-improvement ideas that you’ve been wanting to implement. Turn your mind to constructive thinking while trying to reduce the amount of stress in your life.
So, turn off the TV, streaming movies, and social media. Power up your computer. Let’s go searching the Internet for ways to manage our stress.
Reading helps to Manage Stress
Reading is a great stress buster. A good book allows you to escape your own reality for a while. Even if you haven’t taken the time to enjoy a good book lately, now is a good time to get lost in another world.
Of course, you can download a best-seller onto your IPad or Kindle.
But why not join a virtual book club? Or better yet, start one on your own and have friends join you! I found a great tutorial here by Sadie Trombetta for you to try.
Another option is to sign up to join Goodreads on Facebook. So much is happening there for every type of reader. Find out about new releases and get suggestions for other must-read books.
Try Your Hand at Writing to Reduce Stress
You’ve always dreamt of writing your own book. This is a good way to occupy your time and take your stress levels down. Get lost in your own musings.
There are so many tutorials on the Internet that can show you where to begin. Just start Googling and pick out one that appeals to you.
This tutorial, from Self-publishingschool.com, even offers a free book template with their step-by-step book writing outline.
Or, once again, join a group of like-minded people who are also improving their writing skills. Online businesses, such as Hope*Writers, are ready-made communities of people who are passionate about writing. Get a flavor of what this group offers by checking out their blog.
Develop your Creativity using the Internet
Do you enjoy doodling? This type of drawing actually calms the mind; it’s a distraction from what is going on around us. But have you ever thought that you could take your creativity to the next level and start sketching, drawing, or even creating caricatures?
Check out Youtube. There are a ton of videos on how to turn your doodles into one-of-a-kind masterpieces! Here’s one by Shayda Campbell about Twelve Easy Flower Doodles You Need To Know. It’s amazing!
Why not take an online course to learn from a real artist? One such company that offers this type of program is Udemy. Udemy advertises a selection of more than 200,000 video courses from which to choose. They often have sale prices which are very reasonable.
Even if you are not the creative type, I’m sure that there is something that you’ve always wanted to try.
Whatever it is, search for it on Google or Youtube. You will find a whole new world out there to help you to develop your creativity!
And remember, practice, practice, practice! You will get better at your craft as long as you devote some time to it.
This is a great way to start managing your stress levels by using the Internet.
Take a College Course
Have you been waiting to start school but the time has never been right? Well, there’s no time like the present. How about starting some online courses?
Online learning is huge!
Begin by researching the career or course of study that interests you.
A great place to start would be an online community college.
My daughter Coleen recently graduated from Eastern Gateway Community College located in Steubenville, Ohio. Coleen lives in Maryland. Her degree will help to advance her in her present employment!
These schools usually offer Associate degrees where the course credits can be transferred into a four-year college or University.
Don’t forget to check with the human resource office where you work. Some employers may offer an incentive for furthering your education. They may be willing to help with the cost of school.
Now, this may sound daunting to some of you. But don’t let yourself get overwhelmed.
Begin with one course at a time. Ease your way into it. If you haven’t been in school for a while, it may take a bit of time to adjust to a set schedule to get your work done.
Here’s an interesting tidbit that may make you feel better. Nontraditional students, those of us over age 25 or those with children, now make up almost 75% of American undergraduates according to a 2018 USA Today article!!
Other Online Learning Opportunities
Maybe college isn’t what you’re interested in. But there are so many other online learning opportunities.
Do you want to build a website, start a business or become a Yoga Instructor? Check out some of these sites: Udemy; Coursera; YouTube Creator Academy; or Aura Wellness Center.
There are many sites like this that offer certifications, skill training, or provide learning credentials. And some of these courses are free!
To find more, just start with Google and search for something that interests you.
Healthy Online Activities
There are so many streaming options available today. Netflix, Youtube, and Hulu to name a few.
Jump into a yoga class, learn country line dancing, or enjoy a senior Zumba session. The great thing about taking this type of class is that you can stop the video whenever you want!
But, as you know, classes such as these are great stress relievers and good for the body.
TED Talks
Have you discovered TED Talks yet?
There are thousands of topics for you to explore: autism, bullying, jazz, investing, and on and on.
You’ll find podcasts and articles by a wide range of authors and speakers.
TED describes its agenda as one “to make great ideas accessible and spark conversation.
There are no videos longer than 18 minutes. Check out a topic that interests you to help you to relieve your stress.
Virtual Shopping
Are you still not shopping in person?
That doesn’t mean that you can’t go explore various websites and establish wish lists for items that you’d like to purchase.
So go ahead, redesign your living room, dream up a new color palette for your bathroom, or change out your old dinnerware for new place settings. There’s no charge for looking or dreaming.
If you’re a shopper, this is a great way to manage stress!
Join a Facebook Community to Help Manage Stress
Check out Facebook to search for a group that you have something in common with.
You may wish to join a community that supports your sobriety, shares a hobby interest, discusses a disease that you suffer from, or gives out news blasts about what is going on in your neighborhood.
Sign up and be a part of the discussions. Not only will you learn from others who understand, but you may also be able to contribute something that others will find helpful.
What better way to manage stress using the Internet than to join a group of like-minded people?
Organize Your Recipes
Or maybe you’d just like to sit back and relax and calmly just…..
Organize your recipes.
Do you have your favorites pinned to your Pinterest Boards? Or your cherished grandmother’s recipes, folded away in your recipe box, are faded to the point they are barely legible.
I have some in my box that are tearing at the fold lines and stained from various types of ingredients falling on them.
So why not take some time to rehab your recipes?
Cambria Bold from thekitchn.com recently updated her article on The 5 Best Ways to Organize Your Recipes in 2015. While I would have steered you to either Google Drive or Pinterest, only because I use both frequently, Cambria mentioned an app called ChefTap. All I can say is “Wow”!
This app allows you to clip recipes from anywhere online and personalize them with your own pictures and comments.
Or you can upload your own recipes.
And because the recipes are now on your app, a connection to the Internet is not necessary to access them.
Check it out and let me know your thoughts. This definitely goes on my to-do list!
BTW, if you’re looking for a great recipe to try, here is Joann’s family recipe for delicious Kifle cookies!
Develop Your Own Internet Searches to Manage Stress
The point of this list is to give you a new focus to help you to manage stress. Stop the mindless Internet searches and hone in on something productive.
Use this time for self-improvement, furthering your education, or developing a new craft.
So many opportunities that are great stress-busters and great ideas on how to manage your stress by using the Internet!
Disclaimer: Spending an excessive amount of time using technology can cause health issues. Please see your health care professional to discuss any concerns.
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