Stress has become somewhat of a good friend of mine over the years, and although sometimes it can be motivating to get stuff done, stress can be very unfriendly and unhealthy. So, as someone who deals with stress on a daily basis, I try to find positive, healthy ways to balance some of that stress out. Personally, these few things below have significantly eased my stress levels and seemed to be very effective.
1. Painting
Honestly, you don't even have to be good at painting. The colors themselves are relaxing enough, especially when you mix two colors together and create a satisfying exotic color. Painting doesn't really take that much effort either, and it really helps open up your "creative barriers". Sometimes i start off painting random lines and squiggles until creativity kicks in and then suddenly I'm friggin' Picasso. Goodbye stress, hello masterpiece!
2. A "Treat Yo Self" Bath
Donna and Tom were on the right track when they talked about "treating yo self", so why not allow yourself some time to relax? Taking a long, hot bath with some scented candles and maybe a bath bomb is a perfect way to release some stress. My boyfriend (bless is beautiful soul) got me a lavender vanilla scented "stress relief" candle plus a Bath&BodyWorks lotion for Christmas: Best. Present. Ever. I've never been much of a bath person, but I lit that candle up, put some eucalyptus lotion on, turned on my favorite musicals, and I swear my stress melted away.
3. Hanging out with friends
Yes, hanging out with friends can take a little energy, but sometimes all you need is a really good laugh and a night out with the girls. Gal pals are more then willing to listen to you rant about your stress and offer suggestions on how to take your mind off things. When in doubt, call up the girlfriends!
4. Organizing
Whenever I get overloaded with stress, I start to organize things like crazy: my closet, my desk drawers, my bathroom, everything. Maybe the thought of having everything the way I want it to be in a perfect order is just so satisfying that it takes a load of stress off??? But especially when you get super stressed, organizing helps take your mind off of the "stresser" while allowing yourself to feel accomplished by completely other tasks. Win-win!
5. Music
Whether you are at a local coffee shop, going to a punk concert, or just chillin' in your room with your headphones on full blast, music is a holy saint when it comes to relieving stress. I have never in my life doubted the power of music, and I'm not about to start; music has personalities to fit and influence your mood. Whenever I am stressed, music is my go-to for comfort (whether I am playing or not).
6. FoodFoodFood
You feel me. This is comfort, this is Heaven. No explanation needed.
7. That One Person
Now i don't mean to be misleading: when i say "that one person", I mean like that ONE person that makes you feel comfortable and at ease. It can be a bestfriend, a family member, a boyfriend/girlfriend, a crazy uncle...whatever floats your goat. Stress is a monster, but it isn't that bad when you have someone who can lift the stress off your shoulders a little bit with their company.
Can a little bit of stress be a good thing? Sure...as long as it motivates you to be productive or successful. But overstressing is unhealthy (something I have come to learn and accept). You cannot push so much stress onto yourself or else you may begin to lose sleep or lash out at the people who you are close to. Yes, I know there are a million reasons to stress (I'm a Junior in high school...oh honey I know), so if you MUST stress, hopefully you can take these suggestions into consideration as a way to lift some of that weight off your shoulders.
