When was the last time you studied your hands? I mean really examined them. I have a theory about hands. My theory is that hands have their own language.

Not a language of words, of course, but rather hands are the main way you interact with your world. With your hands you embrace life or push it away. Think about it: language involves speaking good words, hurtful words, neutral words, or no words. It is the same way with hands: they can communicate kindness and gentleness, or hatefulness and anger. Yes, hands have a definite language.

Recently I took note of the appearance of my husband’s hands. He works in a metal fabrication shop so his hands are tough with small cuts in places and grease stains that seem impervious to cleansers. To me they speak highly of his strong work ethic and his commitment to provide for his family.

His hands have a tender side too as he hugs me and wipes away my tears when I cry. Those hands cradled our newborn babies and rescued fallen toddlers – a language of tenderness. His hands carried our daughter home after a bike crash – and years later gave her away on her wedding day – a language of dedication to the years of parenting. Those hands carried heavy sacks of grain to help feed war refugees when we were in Africa – a language of thinking of others more important than himself. Those hands wash the kitchen floor and change the oil in our cars – a language of serving those he loves.

But on Thursday one of his hands was changed forever. He had an accident at his workplace and a piece of copper that he was lining up to go through the shear machine decided to keep the tip of his right index finger with it. In one split second, my husband lost the tip of his finger.

The next hours are a bit of a blur – emergency room, sitting with his boss waiting, having our local daughter arrive, being called into the surgery room. The emotion swelled up within me as I saw him for the first time after the accident.

My hands reached out to tenderly touch him and his good hand responded. Three medical professionals were working on repairing his right hand while his left hand held mine tightly – communicating love, stability, and lack of fear to my very being.

And then I knew there was nothing to worry about. Having a little less of an index finger wouldn’t change the language of those strong hands who communicate love and care to me. And you know what? I suspect that even if both hands were taken from him, it wouldn’t change the language behind them for that comes from the heart.

You see, hands are only a physical representation of what is inside of us. It’s the language of them that is important. Look at your hands again. What will you say with your hands today? Here are some suggestions for starters:

1. Write an encouraging note to a friend.

2. Give an unexpected hug to someone who needs it.

3. Drive a needy person to their appointment or to shop.

4. Touch the hair of a child in your life.

5. Carry a load for an elderly person.

Yes, hands have their own language. What language are you hands speaking?

Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Jai Kai of SharingSuccess.tv.

As we move through our daily routines we are often faced with obstacles and challenges which can lead to some degree of stress and anxiety. So to become more relaxed and free of tensions it is important to break away from your ordinary routine and find ways to de-stress. This process can be very simple or more in depth, but why not try something new and different? Here are 8, not your everyday ordinary, ways to de-stress and release tensions.

1. Massage your ears. The ear massage is a fantastic way to release endorphins in your brain and make you feel good. The beauty is that it only takes a few minutes. Start by gently rubbing your earlobes with your thumb and index finger. Then squeeze the outer edges of your ears all the way to the top. These parts of your ears have tiny reflex points that can relax specific areas of your body. Finish by using your index fingers and middle fingers to massage behind the ears on the bony part of your skull.

2. Finger paint. If you thought that getting messy and painting with your fingers was strictly for kids, think again. Finger painting allows you to have fun, be artistic and play in a child like way. It gives you permission to express your creativity and spontaneity without expectations. So why not be the creator of some new abstract art pieces. Visit a nearby children’s store and pick up a set of finger paints – ages 10 and up.

3. Strip down your living room. Take note and see how much stuff you have laying around your house, especially your living room – the place where you often wind down and relax. Then, declutter and learn the powerful art of Minimalism. Get rid of anything and everything you don’t use or need. Give away or donate decorations and household items. An open and clean space creates a place of peace and tranquility. It’s also easier to relax when you are not surrounded by stuff such as laundry, work, electronics and even reading materials because your subconscious mind doesn’t feel like you have things to do.

4. Try laughing yoga. We all know that the power of laughter has a wonderful effect on our mood and is one of the best feel good things we can do. However, the opportunity to laugh like this doesn’t always come easily and often. A fun and crazy way to make yourself laugh uncontrollably is to find (google) a class, club or yoga studio in your area that offers laughing yoga. You may have to step out of your comfort zone but you will be in for a wonderful and hilarious surprise.

5. Procrastinate. Make a list of things to do and then don’t do it. Call it your procrastination list. Then make the decision to engage in something you really feel like doing. If and when you become inspired to do something on your procrastination list then go for it. Maybe you really don’t have to do those things on your procrastination list or perhaps someone else may want to do those things for you. I believe that if you’re not accepting, enjoying or enthusiastic about what you’re doing then you shouldn’t do it. By procrastinating you often let go of resistance and become more relaxed.

6. Be brutally honest. Have you ever felt frustrated with yourself because you wanted to say something to someone but didn’t in fear of what might happen, what that person might think or how you might make them feel. Instead of bottling things up inside you, which causes stress and tensions, why not let it go through the power of honest speech. Express your emotions and tell people how you really feel without being rude or obnoxious. Be loud and bold. Notice how relieved you feel.

7. Dance in the rain. How often do you see people getting upset and running for cover when it starts to pour? Next time it rains, have a little fun, get wet and do a little dance. Engage all your senses and enjoy the moment. Even sing if you want to. You will be surprised how refreshing and rejuvenating it is. For those of you who live in colder climates, try dancing in the snow or making snow angels.

8. Enjoy a staycation. Instead of travelling somewhere on a holiday, stay at home and enjoy a local vacation. To make it an adventure, get a map of some nearby hiking trails and plan some day hikes. If you’re in a colder climate consider cross-country skiing or snow-shoeing. Try a new activity such as outdoor photography. Visit some local cafes that sounds interesting and that you’ve never been to before. If you need a break from your kids, recruit a friend or relative to baby-sit. Have fun and get to know your area.

As we get caught up in the moment of being busy sometimes we just need to step back, let go of what we are doing and pursue new little passions that dissolve tension and creates stress free, happy experiences. I sincerely hope you give one or some of these a try and remember to have fun, be in the present moment and watch your anxieties melt away.

Jai Kai is a Success Coach, Yoga Instructor and Blogger for SharingSuccess.tv. He enjoys teaching people the art of perusing passion. You can subscribe to his feed here.