I was sitting in class, drawing tornadoes on my paper.
Spirals of black ink, they ran off the page and I found myself feeling like I was floating.
I meant what I said. Floating, not falling. Sometimes I get this feeling, this tightness in my chest, this lightness that's somehow full of tension. I feel fidgety and anxious, and yet a little bit numb. I feel disconnected, and I fear that my feet won't be reunited with the ground again. When I feel this way, I know something's up - and I know it's time for a little self-love.
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And so, the tornadoes were replaced with a to-do list.
If you ever feel like you're floating, read on to find out what I do to bring myself back to reality. If you never feel this way (I envy you) keep reading to find out a multitude of ways to make yourself feel loved, beautiful, powerful, and calm.
1) Sunshine and Jams
Listening to my favorite relaxing tunes always brings a smile to my face and my feet back to the ground. The last time I felt this way, I made a playlist on Spotify called Sunshine and Jams, and it's filled with songs like Maggie Roger's Alaska and Lianne La Havas' Green and Gold - songs that help me sigh with relief and release the tension in my limbs. When you're feeling down, make a playlist to listen to, or pop in your earbuds and calm yourself down with some mellow beats. While you're listening, break out a puzzle or sketch something. It's super relaxing.
2) Bubble Baths
Nothing can fix a sad mood like a bubble bath can. I love using lavender bath salts in my bubble baths, turning off the lights, and thinking about how I'm feeling: what can I do next time to avoid feeling this way? What can I do next time to make the feeling go away? I also love to read in the bath - reading is another thing that comforts me. So pick up a book, light some candles, and sink deeper into the bubbles. 
3) Naps
This one is simple: sleep it off. The feeling of a nap on a Sunday evening is what I try to exude at all times - that warmth and utter comfort and happiness that you feel enveloped in your sunshine-warmed sheets, the setting sun turning your room orange. That feeling is what I want all of my naps to be like. If you're feeling down, let yourself relax into a nice deep sleep and see how you feel when you awaken.
4) Planning Ahead
When I figured out I was feeling a tad weird the other day, I immediately picked up my phone and started making plans for later in the evening. Having something to look forward to, whether it's that same day or that weekend or a month in advance, always brings a feeling of excitement and joy. I felt so comforted to know that I would be joining friends for dinner that night, and that the feeling would have passed by then. Plan it out - I also tend to take to Facebook to see what events are happening near me. I click that "Interested" button and invite friends and make plans and immediately feel relieved and excited.
5) Write It Out
This one may be my favorite. I tend to mind-vomit when I'm feeling down. This is when I write my best stories and poems and journal entries. I love seeing my words fly onto the page, love seeing my hand race to match the pace of my thoughts. Write it out - how are you feeling in the moment? Be descriptive. Be creative. It's a great way to release your tension.
Feel better, readers. Love yourself, treat yourself right.
