Try these 4 stress-busting, mind-clearing activities

There are many other ways to practice mindfulness aside from classic meditation. If you’re looking for some ideas then look no further than a recent TED Ideas post by designer, and author Ingrid Fetell Lee. Lee also struggled with meditation until and set out to find alternatives that could work better like her. Drumming

Another research-backed idea. “In one

study, a group drumming initiative resulted in significant reductions in anxiety and depression, along with an increase in overall

mental well-being,” writes Fetell Lee.

Coloring

Those adult coloring books you see around actually have solid science behind them. “Research shows that coloring a complex abstract design such as a mandala or a plaid pattern can reduce anxiety in a meaningful way. Structured patterns like this have strong symmetry that taps into the harmony aesthetic, which promotes calm through symmetry and balance, quieting the visual noise of our surroundings so we can focus more deeply on what we care about,” Fetell Lee reports.

Cloud gazing

“Little research has been done on cloud gazing, however one study points to the benefits of sky views as restorative, and accessible,” claims Fetell Lee. A huge body of science also shows spending time in nature is fantastic for your mental

health so lying on the grass staring up at the sky will certainly do you no harm.

Walking

A huge percentage of history’s great thinkers have been avid walkers and science is starting to explain why.

“Benefits of mindful walking include stress reduction and improved cognition among older adults, in addition to the many mental health benefits of increased physical activity that it provides,” writes Fetell Lee.