8 Creative Ways to De-Stress, Some of Them Unusual and Great Fun

Research says that it’s important to have a fixed sleeping schedule, but if you can’t manage to get enough sleep, arrange your schedule so that you can catch up on sleep somewhat every few days. If that means taking a natural supplement to fall asleep at 8 p.m., go for it!

Bosses often complain that employees spend time on email or browsing stuff online, but the truth is that most people lose focus if they spend several hours doing the same kind of work. So if you are the type of person who does email only in the morning, for instance, try reading and writing messages during your work day as well. By that time your creative gears are in motion, and you may discover that a personal email can help you find a solution you could use at your job. I have come upon the design idea below (the word “more” with top hat), for instance, after a discussion with a friend.

And now for the more unusual tips for relieving stress.

Sometimes it’s good to shake your senses in unexpected ways. If you use the subway at rush hours, for instance, your senses will be bombarded by the multitude of people using the trains at those times, which may feel like a lot, but if you decide to be in the moment and observe as much as you can of those people around you, you may discover upon getting off the subway that they have actually passed you by in a pleasant whoosh. If you then go to a quieter place, say at a sidewalk cafe, to enjoy a drink, that experience, too, will be heightened, as you will relax far more into the moment than you normally do.

Speaking of being in the moment, photographing nature is a great way to achieve that. Try to discover a new tree or plant every week, or at least one of their various names (scientific and folk names), and you will soon find that you look forward to seeing new specimens, and get rather excited when you do. A few days ago, while buying flowers for my mother, I learned that tuberoses, Polianthes tuberosa, are also called chiparoase in Romanian (besides tuberoze), which would translate in English as a feminine plural form of the word cypress (as in the tree). Given that they’re so boldly tall, I found the name quite suitable.

As you study new plants and photograph them, you will begin to pay more and more attention to colors and the joys of various qualities of light. Spending much time in my home city in the past few years, I found that some days strolling through parks for two hours can feel pretty amazing. Here's why (photos below).

Note how the waves and reflections on the water parallel the shape of the willow leaves.

There are plenty of centers for adult education around the world, along with community centers. Think of something you could teach others, and start doing it! The interaction with a trainee can be fantastic if you’re passionate about the knowledge and skills you’re sharing. When I teach English at the end of a long day, I sleep better than I normally do, because the human interaction works some magic on me.

While it’s true that charity begins at home, there is great charity and love in helping strangers. I’ve learned that from my American friends and I’m passing it on. One of my most inspired examples: I once searched for submission calls for an artist I believed in, and because he needed a portfolio online I created a website for him and digitized his work. He received an impressive prize at that competition, along with paid expenses for a trip abroad.

Green, white, black, and oolong tea has a chemical, L-theanine, which improves focus while reducing stress. Speak of a fabulous combination!

Tea is also rich in flavonoids -- antioxidants which prevent illnesses and help us age better.

I hope you've enjoyed my tips. Please feel free to share your own ways of shedding stress :)