It’s safe to say the last six-months have introduced us all to increased stress, uncertain times and daily doses of negative news. No matter how mentally strong we are, the constant curveballs being thrown our way can wear us down and stretch us to our limits.

Feelings of being overwhelmed by the circumstances around us are normal reactions we all experience. At one time or another, just about everyone has had a profound desire to escape reality and shut out the world around us.

According to psychologists, indulging that desire is a good thing. Our mind is sending us a message that we need to step away and indulge in some self-care. The key is finding healthy ways to escape, unplug and zone out.

Here are some popular suggestions:

• Play Some Cards
  Forget your high-tech toys, reintroduce yourself to the fun and distraction of card games. Whether you want some alone time or are sitting around with family or friends, there are hundreds of great card games for any scenario. Click here to explore 40 of the most popular games to consider.
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• Read a Book
  Losing yourself in another time, place or world is a great way to put your worries on the back burner, calm your mind and escape your concerns. From historical tomes to romance novels, there is something for everybody. Not sure where to start? Check out Good Reads and meet your next favorite book.
  
  
• Tune in to Music
  Since the beginning of time, humans have found ways to create music. From simple drumbeats to symphonic masterpieces, music speaks to us on a subconscious level. It’s also a great form of escape. Research has shown it can help you relax and increase self-awareness. Here’s an interesting article on how different music genres effect the brain and your emotions.
  
  
• Put it on Paper
  Introducing a little bit of writing into your day can be very therapeutic, while stimulating your creativity and relieving stress. Journaling, short stories, poetry, personal letters, greeting cards…write what interests you. Here is a great reference site to get you started, Write to Relax.
  
  
• Get Puzzled
  Crossword puzzles, word searches, Sudoku, logic puzzles…there is a world of options out there and they all offer wonderful diversions from what’s going on around you! Here is a reference site that provides a good overview of choices available. Find one and give it a try.

Finding healthy ways to temporarily escape reality and tune out what’s going on around us is an important part of maintaining a healthy attitude and mindset. Far from wasting time, it might be one of the best investments you can make in yourself.

Enjoy and stay well.