Now that school has ended for the summer, stress might have been lifted off your shoulders. If you're anything like me, you continue to worry and stress out about all things in life at all times of the year. Fortunately, there are many ways to de-stress this summer and to live your life with more ease!
Choose to not stress. Firstly, you must find it within yourself to change your mind. Remember that stress begins within. You can choose to have complete control over your self. You want to not stress. You are making the conscious decision for you and on your own terms. You cannot move on from this step unless you are truly committed to changing your ways. If you have prolonged stress or depression then seeking help from licensed professionals is the best option from here.
Take up a hobby. You can paint, draw, craft, build, garden, write, etc. When you create something on your own, it gives you something to be proud of. You know that your own hands can be capable of so much.
Learn something new. Take a class or get your friends to teach you something new. Have you ever been kayaking? Learn how to. Learning and achieving is something everyone strives to do. It will make you feel good!
Go for a walk. This is the simplest way to clear your mind. Go for a walk and let your thoughts be still. Just listen. Listen to your own footsteps. Listen to the breeze of wind. Listen to the birds chirping in the distance. Clear your mind for just a few moments before you get back to your stressful day.
Choose to eat healthy. Your mind and body are connected. When you choose to eat better, your body will thank you. You'll feel more energized and ready to take on the day ahead of you!
Dance like no one is watching. This might sound cliché, but it actually works! Pull up YouTube and compile a list of songs that make you feel good. (Taylor Swift, anyone?) Blast the songs and dance it out. You can never go wrong with having some fun.
Stop and relax. Take time for yourself. Whether it is ten minutes or four hours, set aside time to relax. Take a nap or watch one of your favorite shows. Do something for yourself. Read a book, get your nails done, shop, or even just close your eyes and rest.
Be one with nature. The outdoors is a major tool for clearing your mind. Go somewhere beautiful. Think the botanical gardens. Be outside with the flowers and trees and take it all in. Use your senses to emerge yourself into nature. Touch the leaves of a beautiful tree. Smell the flowers. Listen and hear nothing but faint noises of birds and water running down a stream. Look at all the natural beauty the world has to offer.
Talk it out. Always express your emotions. Someone will listen. Whoever it may be (your friends, parents, teachers, coworkers, etc.), find someone that will not only hear your words but listen and respond to you. Never feel like you are the only one. Many, many people stress.
Have faith. Believe that there are better days. Life is beautiful and we are all given only one life to live. Although stressful at times, there are many things to be happy about. Find your happiness and stress less!
*Of course, there are those whom suffer from mental health disorders, if you or someone you know is going through this then please seek help.
Check out Active Minds to learn about mental health disorders and to be a part of changing the stigma associated with them!
