Being human, we constantly crave and are dependent on interactions and relationships with others. The people we meet every day mold our personalities. There is a time and a place for work, social interactions, and activities that involve much energy.

Yet there is also space needed for self-reflection, a time to remove oneself from the outside world and take time to recharge from everything. Stress in life can become overwhelming, and times to chill out, be creative, and have a quiet place to think is definitely needed. Creativity comes out of a healthy mind, and a healthy mind results from being in touch with yourself.

Here are some things that are healthy to do every once in a while that can help yourself desensitize from anxieties that may be taking over your life. These things have helped me strengthen my self-reflective abilities while also heightening my creativity:

1. Remove yourself from social media. Give yourself a time amount and turn the phone and computer off to take away distractions.
2. Watch the sunset alone and let your mind wander where it needs to go. You may discover things about yourself that you wouldn't have thought about before.
3. Take a walk outside (in a safe location, of course). Being in nature helps calm the mind, and helps you meditate.
4. Meditate/do yoga. Even if it’s only for 5 minutes. Close your eyes and just listen to your breaths. Learn some yoga poses and try to do a little bit each day. It's healthy for your both your physique and mentality.
5. Paint or draw a picture. Art is one of the purest forms of therapy.
6. Lay in bed and read a really good book all the way through no matter how long it takes you.
7. Listen to your favorite music. Take time out of your day to chill by yourself and listen to music that calms you down. I like to do this when I'm driving by myself or when I'm home alone.
8. Cook or bake something.
9. Write down your thoughts and feelings, no matter how abstract they are. Someone's writing acts as a key to their soul.

All of these things can be done to help de-stress from everyday life, whether it be stress from a job, a relationship, or financial worries. It is important to find things that help you to meditate and calm you down, even if it's different from this list. It is important to keep your mental health stable and healthy as much as it is your physical and social life healthy as well.

Find your hobbies, whether it be an art form, sports, anything else that helps cheer you up and helps you recharge from long days. Stick to doing these hobbies in your alone time, try to remove yourself every once in a while from the distractions of other people around you. Your life will begin to change for the better.