Stress. There's no way to avoid it, no way to get around it. Unfortunately, the only way is through it. With the pressures of school, work, family and relationships, it is only normal to feel like you want to rip your hair right out of your head. But fear not, stressful person, because here, I present to you, is ten ways to get through the stress and hopefully decrease some of it next time.
1. Pet A Pupper
I promise, there is a reason this is number one on the list. Dogs are the greatest animal on this planet, all they want to do is love you. They are just too good for us humans. So, when you feel stressed and all you wanna do is cry, remember that dogs exist. They want to love you and make you feel better, so go find one.
Whether it's your dog, your neighbors dog, a friend's dog, a random dog on the street or even, my favorite, a dog at the pet shelter, go to them. Pet them, love them and let them love you in return because I promise nothing seems as bad after a little bit of lovin' from man's best friend.
(Or a cat if you like them better, to each their own.)
2. A Good Cup
Never, ever, ever, under any circumstances, underestimate a good cup of tea and a comfy blanket. Maybe it's because I just lived in London for four months, but there is something about the feeling of holding a hot mug of tea in your hands that makes the stress melt right off your shoulders.
Lemon and ginger, green, peppermint, chamomile, earl grey or some English breakfast with a splash of milk, any type you fancy to do the trick. After all, it is the most consumed drink in the world, so obviously its gotta be doing something right.
3. A Long, Hot Shower or Bath
Whether its a thunderstorm, a waterfall or even just the shower in your bathroom, the consistent beat of water creates a soothing effect which allows the body to relax. Now I'm no scientist, but every single time I'm stressed I take a shower and afterwards, I feel invincible. So take a shower and allow yourself to sink into the heat and the steady beat and let your stress retreat.
4. Talk It Out
Listen, I don't know what it is about talking to someone about your problems, but boy, does it help. Maybe it's the fact that you're finally putting it all out there and getting the negative energy out of you, or maybe it's the fact that you may be finally admitting something that you didn't want to accept before, but talking is one of the most therapeutic things you can do. Opening up can be a scary thing, but once its all out there on the table, your mind will finally have the room it needs to relax.
5. Write n' rip
So you don't wanna call your friend, significant other, or family member because maybe he or she is what is stressing you out. We've all been there. So what outlet do you have now? Letters. Either old time pen to paper ones, or even a letter in the Notes on your phone, WRITE IT OUT. Say it all and hold nothing back, let everything come out.
Who cares if it makes zero sense, and who cares if halfway through you realize you're wrong? Who cares? Nobody, nobody but you is going to see it because once you've let it all spill on the page, you're going to tear it up. Or delete it off of your Notes.
I got some really good advice once that said, "If you're not going to end it with that person because of whatever you're mad about, then just forget it because it's not worth the stress." Write it all out, and rip it all up and after that is your new beginning.
6. Exercise!
Shocker, I know! Its the one of the main things that you expected to see on this list and probably one of the main things you were dreading too, but hey, it works! Ever been so stressed you want to rip your hair out, or punch a pillow? Well put that pent up energy into good use and go exercise.
Go to a class, the gym, a park or a court of some sort and work all that stress away. It's one of the things we all hate to do, but as soon as we start, we wonder why we don't do it more often.
7. Catch some zzz's
Yes, that's right, its the one thing we all love the most, our favorite time of the day: sleep. There's nothing like throwing down your bag after a long, hard day and just collapsing into your bed. A warm, comfy sanctuary of peace and happiness is sometimes what we all need in order to escape stress.
Who cares when that paper is due? Who cares that you have class in an hour? Who cares that you promised that friend that you would go out with her even though you really didn't wanna go but felt bad say no so you said yes anyway? Right now is about you, so put on your PJ's, or don't if you like sleeping like that, and get into bed because its time to treat yourself for once.
(P.S. if you have class, I would probably go though just to save yourself from future stress about a test or something. And maybe send a text to that friend making up some excuse. But that paper? You can definitely work on that paper later.)
8. Sex
Scandalous, yes, I know and maybe not possible for everyone at that moment of stressfulness, but hey, I'm just putting it out there! To get all scientific, during sex your body releases endorphins that elevate your mood and relieve stress. With that being said, make sure you stay safe and wrap it up lads, because the last thing we need is more stress about something else.. hint, hint.
9. Tunes
Listen to all your favorite music, turn it up loud, and just dance and sing to your heart's desire. One Direction, Backstreet Boys, Aaron Carter, High School Musical, anyone you want (I find the cheesier and the older, the better the effect). Just turn it on, turn it up and let go. Maybe throw a little air guitar in there? There's just something about acting like a complete fool where nobody can see that makes a person just feel so much better about everything.
10. Cry
Remember when you were a baby, how you would get really upset, cry and then afterwards you would feel so much better in this sleepy, ethereal state? Well, I'm here to tell you that also works as an adult. Tears get rid of the toxins in your body and stress seems pretty toxic to me, so let yourself have a good wail. I wanna see red faces, tear marks, sniffles, the whole nine yards and then let yourself succumb to that peaceful bliss afterwards.
