Just Breathe

Its cliche because it works. Do me a favor right now: relax your shoulders and unclench your jaw. Slow down your breathing and calm your thoughts. This is okay. You are okay. Breathe in for four seconds. Hold for another four. Breathe out for four seconds. Hold it again for another four. This is called square breathing. Repeat until your mind clears itself out. When your mind feels like its flooding, it's hard to stay present. So focus on the drum of your heartbeat, the motion of your lungs, the sound of complete silence. You are here.

Filter

Now that you're relatively calm, slowly go through your thoughts one by one. Sometimes all it takes is expressing yourself through a medium. Painting, knitting, a walk through a park. Journaling is a way to write down what your feeling without being overwhelmed. Mindful meditation is a form of meditation that slows down your mind and relaxes you mentally and physically. Think about the situation objectively, ask yourself questions about the situation, why are you responding this way? What does this mean? What's the best way of feeling better?

Reach Out

It's quarantine. School's out. For some of us, it's been days since we communicated with friends. Weeks since you've gotten a hug. Humans can only go so long with being starved of human contact. So, send a quick text to a prior classmate, call up your significant other, FaceTime your mom. You'll soon realize that you're not alone. People who can't be with you at your weak moments shouldn't be with you period. Support is always at every corner.

Distractions

Stop thinking about things all together. Hit pause and do something else. Binge-watch a movie on Netflix. Plant some vegetables. Read a really good book. If it's an issue you're dealing with, you'll be able to come back to it with a clear mind.

Get Help

Sometimes thoughts can be persistent. They can turn dark and interfere with your life. It happens. I can't emphasis enough how important it is to reach out when you can't deal with it yourself. There are crisis hotlines, online therapy, and support groups that can help you with what you're feeling. Nothing is too big or too small when it comes to rescuing yourself, physically or mentally. Don't wait until it's too late.

If you need someone to talk to or are worried about someone else's mental health please text HOME to 741741, a 24/7 Crisis Hotline to connect with someone willing to deal to lend an ear and provide emotional support.