When You’re Stressed — Relax
Stress looks different for everyone.
People all go through different moods and relate our stress in various ways. It is common to keep emotions bottled in until you begin to feel stress, resentment, lack of energy, and even worn out. Reasons may be different but it is so easy to get caught up in life without taking time to detox and center yourself. The goal here is to help readers understand that there are simple, everyday ways to keep your stress levels down and relax. These days I know it’s hard to live day to day with all of the unknown happenings in the universe right now. The best part about being present in your life and finding easy ways to calm down is having the ability to block out everything that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Here are some effortless ways to reconnect with myself and reduce stress when life has your heart feeling heavy (no specific order).
Take A Shower
I know this may seem shallow, but taking showers is an essential that helps calm your body. Feeling warm (or cold) water drip down your body is almost equivalent to feeling all of the negative energy/feelings you’re holding on to during the day or when you’re feeling anxious. Showers are meant to cleanse, in addition to being clean, it is very helpful when you need some relaxation or clarity. Every so often it’s fun to stay in and let your skin get wrinkly like a raisin or a prune. When I’m really deep in thought, I stand directly under the showerhead and let it run. It’s such a personal space, that showering in itself is seen as intimate when someone is there with you. I like taking showers to rest because I can cry, think deeply, feel all of my emotions, and then ease my mind overall. You get out feeling calm and brand new.
Write it down
Sometimes, it is pointless to suggest writing things down because I understand that everyone is not a writer. However, I know that there is power in writing down whatever is worrying you. The first way to get to the root of the problem is to identify the problem so you can figure out how to dismantle it. This way you can see what is bothering you and know what you need to do from there because only you know what’s best. I enjoy writing because it comforts me. I can identify my positive thoughts and making sure I’m not having counterproductive ones. I enjoy being able to acknowledge my feelings while I am feeling them. There are many ways to write things down now. You’re not limited to a pen and paper, I mean obviously, you can use a journal, but there are also more modern ways like using a computer, your notes app on your phone, or even using another form of art like a canvas or an iPad to sketch. Writing helps you recognize what your thinking pattern is like while also freeing your mind.
Call Someone
It’s okay to call your family or whoever is closest to you, but I know some people refrain from calling family when they are feeling down because it is honestly just not the same relationship as it is with your friend. Calling someone when feeling on edge seems vulnerable, but that’s okay, everyone should have someone to listen to them. Being independent and coming up alone is an act that’s glorified because the new generations see help as a “handout” and it’s never that. I want help to be normalized, for people to feel comfortable reaching out when they need to be heard. This even includes being the one your friends can confide in. It is okay to call a friend to check on them, let them vent to you sometimes because you never know what someone is going through on their side. It is okay to be the shoulder that someone can lean on every once in a while. People tend to overlook being the the person their friend can turn too and that’s okay, but reminding your circle that you are here for them can be comforting too. Doing this will also deepen your friendships if you’re not one to have many friends or want to deepen your bonds.
Be Creative
I feel like people automatically assume art when the word “creative”, but when you think about it, there are so many accessible things that would be considered creative instead of painting a picture. You could read a book, buy a coloring book, birdwatch, or even make a meal you’ve never made before. There are also activities like swimming, archery, gardening, writing restaurant reviews, and more. The list of things you COULD be doing is infinite. People automatically assume I’m an artist when I say I am creative. However, I am an artist, just a literary artist but that’s another conversation. I think people should be more comfortable with expressing their creativity or just letting it flow freely instead of being so worried about what appears to be creative. Being creative is having the ability to CREATE an experience or product of anything. Truthfully, we are all creators. I love it when people can live unbothered and manage to creatively be themselves. Being creative is exactly that; doing what makes you feel most free and most comfortable to shape the best experiences of your life.
I hope this article reminds people that it is okay to feel uneasy at times. Nevertheless, it is important to remember the things that will calm you down and keep you grounded when you feel uneasy. I am not saying these are ways to outgrow depression, but I am saying these are great ways to calm your anxiety and stay present in those instances (If you are suffering from depression or suicidal thoughts I highly recommend seeing a professional).
This should be a refreshment to keep yourself focused on the current and not be concerned about the unknown. It is common for one to let their thoughts control them instead of controlling their thoughts. Don’t let that be you.
Always,
Sunny J.
