IT'S TIME TO DESTRESS

Its no secret that we get overwhelmed and from time to time, we desperately just need a break. I can not tell you guys the amount of times my friends and family have tried getting me to just sit back and freaking relax! I seriously struggled to do this, but as of recently, I've made it a point to make sure that I don't drive myself crazy and take a break. But what does one do exactly to destress? Not sure, everyone is different. BUT! I shall share my ways.

Here are some things I do to destress:

1. Playing video games- It's truly no secret that I thoroughly enjoy playing Animal Crossing. Normally the first thing I do when I get home from such a long day of work, is playing animal crossing. I love being able to go online with my friends and play SmashBros or Mario Party, and my favorite, MarioKart. It's honestly the most fun way of getting your mind off of things and just be in the moment with friends.

2. Creating Screensavers- Something I really like doing to destress is making new screensavers for my laptop. I kind of think of it like creating a little mood board, except I add my own quotes, the calendar, and pictures that I just like looking at. There's something really calming about finding different pictures online and putting them together- like a collage. Some sites I like to use is Canva (the most popular one used my basically everyone), PosterMyWall, and SmileBox.

3. Go to a Cafe- Whether you're meeting with a friend or going alone, going to a cafe and just enjoying a small meal with a cup of coffee can be an extremely soothing experience. Not in the mood to be social? That's completely fine! Bring a book that you've been wanting to read with you. Don't have a TBR? That's fine too, bring a notebook to jot some thoughts down, draw, etc. Whatever you think will bring you comfort.

4. Journal- I can't stress enough how much journaling, and just writing in general, has helped me. It's brought me so much peace and has helped me clear my mind and reflect on certain situations. It's nice being able to just get all my thoughts out there for me and only me. In one of my previous blogs, I discuss the benefits of journaling and how to start. Getting messages from you guys saying that the post has inspired you to buy a journal or journal in your phones, has truly warmed my heart. I love hearing how it changes up the game for others. There are just so many things to journal about, it's endless.

5. Self-Care Rituals- This one is, in my opinion, by far the most important one. Treat yourself to something you wouldn’t normally do. Go out and get a facial, do your nails, maybe get a hair cut. Can’t afford it? That’s completely fine! Sit at home and have a movie marathon while making your own face masks! Listen to music and have a one person dance party!

6. Move Your Body- Working out is NOT my favorite thing to do. I would really need someone by my side to push me, but moving your body is some shape, way or form is so important for you. There are dance workouts on YouTube that you can do just for fun. It will be uncomfortable at first cause you’re just there like “what the hell am I even doing?” But soon enough, you’ll starting laughing - or crying who knows. It can help release and calm you like no other.

7. Meditation- You can do this at home, or you can go outside and walk, maybe go to the pier, sit down and watch over the water and take in the scene in front of you. Clear your mind to the best of your ability and just take deep breaths and release. Something I like to do is listen to this album called “Anxiety Relief” on Apple Music and focus on the sounds of the birds, the water, and how the instruments played on top compliment one another.

8. Disconnect from your Phone- This is something I like to do from time to time. I will put my phone on do not disturb and literally not receive an notifications from anyone. I don’t care how much people will get mad at me for not responding to them in a “timely manner”. If I need my time and space, I will take it, just as the next will expect the same in return. People who do not value this enough or respect the fact that you want space, do not respect you. We are all human and if disconnecting from being a social being is what you need to do to clear your mind, then do so unapologetically. No one else but you can help you. Fuck what the next person has to say. If they truly care, they will understand. Now, I am not saying to put aside obligations and completely ignore people- you never know if there’s an emergency, but it is very important to disconnect.

9. Take a Walk- This is something I love doing, but don’t do often enough. I love to pop on my AirPods and just walk around and take in my surroundings. Even during the winter, maybe just not as I long and I would during any other season.