Stress is something we all experience in one way or another.

Sometimes stress is just a nagging little thing you can just get over by going for a run or getting past the deadline, but it can also be ongoing in the back of your mind, which can be debilitating.

When I’m feeling this kind of stress, it feels like I am helpless. I feel inadequate to deal with the stress I feel, which only provides more reason for stress. It is truly a vicious cycle.

I’ve learned, however, that one way to deal with this kind of stress is to occupy yourself with a simple task, preferably one that involves your hands. A few of my go-to activities are jigsaw puzzles, or egg decorating. This last one might sound a little out there, but trust me, it’s therapeutic. If you’re not a fan of those kinds of activities, try something like knitting, drawing, painting, sculpting, or wood carving. The list is endless.

So why is it so important that you occupy your hands, you ask? Psychologist Jonathan Brown, in his study of self-esteem, emphasizes the importance of what he calls “mastery” in the development of feelings for good self-esteem. His definition of mastery is not the same as the common definition it is understood to have, that is, in the mastering of a skill one becomes proficient in it. Brown’s concept of mastery is simply an engagement with the physical world around you. He gives the example of children making mud pies to demonstrate his point; it is not the feeling you get from being good at something, but rather simply the feeling that you are doing some action at all that provides a good sense of self-esteem.

As I was thinking about Brown’s concept of mastery, I discovered that I engage in this kind of activity frequently, without even knowing its therapeutic effects. If mastery can boost self-esteem, then perhaps it could also have positive effects on stress. Occupying your hands and your mind can give you the sense that you are involved in something, that you are capable of accomplishing something, however small it may be. This can help to restore your overall sense of confidence in the smallest of ways, and build your state of mind back up to a place where you can tackle obstacles in your life. Getting yourself used to engaging your mind could even prime it for more difficult tasks that you may not have felt motivated to do before. Simple action can lead to complex action.

So the next time you’re feeling that debilitating panic of stress, never fear! Pick up your activity of choice, and spend a little time on it. You may find a sense of peace from that simple task.