If you are stressing out over school, work, relationships, etc.... Here are some ideas on things to do to help you de-stress.
1. Read a good book
-it only takes a quick Google search and you will find a world of good books to read. Some recommendations include: The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh, and any book written by Anne Brashares
2. Make a to-do list that is easy to achieve
While lists can be helpful, they can also be daunting. Making a to-do list of small tasks that are easy to achieve can give you a well-needed boost of confidence. It is a pretty awesome feeling to cross stuff off of a check list- it reminds you that you are in fact being productive.
3. Light a scented candle
4.Take a walk
It's a two-fold result: you get the chance to let nature calm you while also taking care of your body. The act of movement and exercise is a great way to release tension and stress! Some of my clearest thoughts came to the surface while on nature walks.
5.Take a couple quizzes on Buzzfeed
... no explanation needed. Those things can be incredibly funny.
6.Take a 20 minute power-nap...
7...When that doesn't work, take a 2 hour nap.
Hey, you gotta do what you gotta do to take care of yourself.
8.Meditate
Taking deep breaths is a very natural way of calming yourself down.
9.Vent
Make sure if you vent to vent to someone close to you that you can trust. Also, don't forget to return the favor when those close to you are also feeling the stress.
10. Go window shopping
Sometimes, you just have to get in to a different environment for a while. Go alone or go with friends- There's nothing wrong with a fun distraction every once in a while!
11. Make the active choice to think positive.
There is nothing more powerful than resolving to think a certain way. If you are determined to stay positive, you will find all kinds of positive things in even the most stressful situations.
12. Sketch and doodle
13. Watch TV/Netflix
Saved By the Bell. Boy Meets World. Girl Meets World. Gilmore Girls. That 70's Show. Friends.... I don't need to go any further.
14. Read the Bible/a good devotional
The very best words of advice and solace are found within these ancient verses.
15. Listen to a good playlist
Put on some classics from the decade you were born in, or a party remix, or even Today's Top Hits. Sing as loud as you want; dance like no one is watching.
16. Write or journal
Just because you are writing, it does not mean that what you write needs to be seen by anyone else (although writing for the Odyssey can be incredibly therapeutic for me). Writing down your feelings- whether or not you keep a journal or crumple up and throw away the pages- is a really good way to clear your head, and writing also helps you to organize your thoughts in to tangible words and actions.
17. Hang out with friends
18. Clean your room
If anything, this distracts you from whatever is stressing you out... except if that stressor is your messy room.
19. Watch the sun rise/set
I think watching the sun rise is one of the most motivational and stress-relieving things in the world. It symbolizes a second chance; a chance to to make today better than how yesterday ended up being. Take some deep breaths, and resolve to make the day a better one.
20. Take a long hot shower
Again, no explanation needed.
21. Go on a drive in the country
