How It Works
Problem solving is a critical skill for healthy coping. For example, if you are injured (the problem) and you need help (the solution), figuring out who to ask for help and how to contact them can save your life. Trace to the Star builds problem solving efficacy while simultaneously offering stress relief.
Problem solving and tracing skills
analytical thinking: observing and examining information in order to identify and define a problem and possible solutions
sequential reasoning: following logic/ stated rules to solve a problem step-by-step
working memory: the ability to hold information in our minds while we manipulate it
fine motor skills and visual - spatial skills
Trace to the Star
stress and trauma disrupt our thinking and feelings. Complex thinking can become difficult. Engaging in familiar, rudimentary activities such as tracing, can “re-start” the brain (get us into our “thinking brain”) which helps to stabilize our mind and also calm our “feeling brain”
focuses our attention on a neutral cognitive activity, giving us space from the stress/trauma, allowing us to “re-set”
exercises memory retrieval and integration, which are disrupted by stress/trauma
each hand has 17,000 mechanoreceptors, receptors that sense touch, temperature, pressure, vibration, texture, pain, skin stretch and the position of our body in space (proprioception). With this wealth of sensory input, our hands are excellent resources for repairing the mind-body connection, which is disrupted by stress and trauma. As we move our hands, our stressed brain begins attending to the various sensations and distracts from the anxiety. Tracing occupies our hands (which can ‘hold’ a lot of our stress), enabling them to relax.
How to Use
take one of your pointer fingers (using your non dominant hand can boost your focus). You can also use a pen, pencil, or crayon to ‘walk’ the maze
trace / ‘walk’ the path to the star. Trace at your own speed
when you reach the star, pause, relax, breathe and acknowledge your accomplishment
when you are ready, trace your way out of the maze
When to Use - Signs of Stress/Trauma
not talking, not answering questions
disconnected: staring blankly into space; immobilized - not moving
preoccupied, worried, overwhelmed
anxious, panicked, agitated
What It Can Do
decrease anxiety, distress; feel calmer
increase control over feelings (self-regulation)
think more clearly; increased concentration & problem solving
improve compliance: ability to hear and follow directions
reconnect to self and present moment
build distress tolerance
accomplishing a basic task (finding the center of a maze) can bring a sense of control, self-efficacy amidst the chaos of trauma