Things to remember when it all hits the fan. | The Odyssey Online
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5 Things to Remember When You're Stressed, Low, Or When Nothing is Going Right

Life is a steel-toed boot that will kick you when you're already down, but its up to you to put up a fight back.

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5 Things to Remember When You're Stressed, Low, Or When Nothing is Going Right

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Sometimes it feels like the world is fighting against you in a thousand different ways. Whether the person you're crushing on has neglected you, your family issues have escalated, or your mental health is being tested, it feels like you're surrounded by swords at all sides, and one wrong move and you're skewered.

There are only so many things you can tell yourself to fight the onslaught of life's jabs. However, there are a few reminders that I use to feel better, and you can use them if you find them helpful too.


Breathe.

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As much as it hurts or as stressed as you are, you are alive. You are okay. Breathe to remember that, and so you don't pass out. As long as you breathe, even if you're crying, you'll feel a little better. Slowing your heart rate is a great first step to calming yourself down.

Switch thoughts; think of all the good things in your life.

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You don't have to believe in the divine to remember how lucky you are. Think of every person who loves you, every good thing you've ever experienced, every bout of good luck you've ever had. Just simmer with that for a minute, and realize there are greater things in life ahead than the bad things happening right now. There are more important moments ahead of you, and you are not facing the end of the world.

If you need to, talk it out with someone. 

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While it could be the hardest part of the whole situation, there's always someone there for you. A therapist, your parents, friends, anyone -- you can talk to these people just to get things off your chest, for advice, anything. You are never truly alone, and there are always options when you're feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or down. Communicating how you feel, verbalizing your emotions, can sometimes be the answer for people. It depends on the person.

Take time for yourself. 

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Not everyone can deal with talking it out at first. Some people need to be alone to rationalize the issues at hand. There's nothing wrong with that either, but don't shut yourself out of people's lives for the sake of your own. If they truly care, they'll respect that you need space and give you what you need. In this reflective time, don't start blaming people or blaming yourself. Objectively look at the situation and make an unbiased, Switzerland-like conclusion.

Never forget that you are great.

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You are an amazing person, inside and out. No matter the circumstance, you are strong for handling it. You are a rolling stone, and you will get through this turmoil. Never forget your worth or your own happiness, and how it definitely matters more than another's.

Whether these reminders work for you or not, know that you are not alone. You can find help if you need it or rationalize it in your own time by yourself. You are a wonderful person, and I'm sorry for whatever you're going through. No one truly knows how one feels until they walk in your shoes. Just don't be afraid to let someone borrow your sneakers.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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6 Unrealistic Expectations Society Has For Young Adults

Don't let the thesaurus-inspired vocabularies in our résumés fool you. We're actually just big kids.

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Well over four feet tall and 100 pounds in weight, many of us "young adults" of the world still consider ourselves children. Big, working, college-attending, beer-drinking children. We may live on our own, know how to cook noodles, and occasionally use a planner, but don't be fooled; the youthful tendencies that reside within us still make their way into our daily lives. From choosing to stay up until 3:00 a.m. playing video games on a school night to going out in 30 degree weather without a coat, we still make decisions that our parents and grandparents would shake their heads at in disappointment. So why are we expected to know exactly how to be a wise, professional, sensible adult? It's not that we're irresponsible (for the most part, anyway). It's that we are young, inexperienced, and still have the sought-after, enthusiastic mentality that we can do and be whatever we want, which has not yet been tarnished by the reality of the world. These are just a few of the unrealistic expectations that society has for young adults.

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1. You don't have to feel guilty about flirting with customers for tips (or just for shits and giggles).

2. You can be obnoxiously flirtatious with anyone you want. You are free to be that girl that flirts with everybody and makes 'em all smile (it's especially fun when the guy is as cute as Collin Jost). No shame.

3. Making random men nervous with your superior beauty and intense eye contact just for the hell of it is really amusing and empowering.

4. No one gives two poops if ya legs are hairy (your man shouldn't either but *Kermit the Frog meme* That's none of my business)

5. The toilet seat will remain down.

6. There's more money to spend on yourself.

7. There's always this secret butterfly in your tummy that marvels at the possibility that when you go out this weekend you're gonna meet someone super handsome/wonderful/prince-like and have this moment of dazzling dalliance.

8. Nothing is that serious...you can take it all with a grain of salt...you don't owe anybody anything.

9. You can dance with anyone and everyone...or no one (Hello frat boi w/ glasses, I see you).

10. You don't have to fluff anyone's ego but your own.

11. Free drinks and dinners from single guys (It's not taking advantage if they're offering; a girl's gotta eat).

12. You have more time to learn how to love and improve yourself rather than constantly pouring your energy into another person.

13. You don't have to sacrifice your cheesy Jen Aniston rom-coms and Gilmore Girls for his Fast and Furious/other dumb action movie featuring blonde that is only in the movie to supply a relationship to the male lead and to make him look more masculine/empowered in juxtaposition (In other words, you don't have to deal with a guy being a crabby Patty while you watch your cute movies).

14. You can daydream about what your future husband may be doing right now (and not get stressed/guilty out because you're not picturing your current boyfriend that's crazy about you as your future husband).

15. There is more time to be spent with your girlfriends.

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Each sign is determined by the relative positions of celestial bodies to ourselves at our moment of birth, which is said to influence our personalities. Find your zodiac GIF below, based on the traits and characteristics provided by each sign.

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