Today I’m
writing about something a little more on the personal side and branching out
more into the lifestyle side of my blog; today I will be talking about the perils
of anxiety and ways to de-stress and relax.
Going from a
high stress high school situation to a high stress college meant that I always
had to be “on” and always had a long list of things to do with not a lot of
time. I’m a very perfectionistic person and I am known to put more pressure on
myself than anyone else puts on me, thus creating anxiety and even more stress.
Over the years I have learned that the most important thing is to take time for
yourself! Whether this means twenty minutes alone time while you’re eating
breakfast or writing in a journal before bed, to just listening to music and
jamming out as you walk to class. For me, this summer has played a very
important part in my road to healing and exploration of doing fun and relaxing
things that have nothing to do with school for once!
Here is a list
of the things that I do to de-stress:
1.
Exercise
As Elle Woods
once said, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy
people just don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t.” This is probably one
of my most quoted movie lines (and keep in mind I quote movies in every day
conversation like it’s my job) and so I’ve finally taken its advice! When I was
in high school I had a routine where I would go to the gym everyday school for
about 45 minutes. While sometimes it felt like a waste of time because I could
have been getting a head start in my homework in reality it boosted my energy
so that I would got my work done faster when I worked out before hand. It also
made me happy! Fast forward to college where I considered working out just
walking to class and up my dorms stairs. So this summer I knew that had to be remedied
and I have taken up Pilates. I have made a routine were I’ll take my yoga mat
into my room and go through about two or three of Blogilates YouTube videos. I
would definitely recommend them to a friend!
2.
Read for fun
Lately reading
had become more of a chore for school rather than a fun activity so this summer
I’ve looked back at my bookshelf and started re-reading some of my favorite
books. I love doing this because since I already know the story line I don’t
have to focus so hard on the details and an just relax as I read and make the
characters come to life in my imaginations.
Some of my
favorite books to read are, of course, all the Harry Potter books series by JK Rowling, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, and basically
any book written by Ally Carter (although I do have a soft spot for I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have
To Kill You).
3.
Yoga Stretches
I used to detest
doing yoga because I never felt like it relaxed me but rather made me antsy,
however this summer that changed. I’ve made it a practice to do about a
twenty-minute routine of yoga stretches in the morning right after I wake up to
get my day started.
Some of my
favorite movies include the child’s pose, down ward facing dog, and the happy
baby pose.
4.
Pinterest
Now this may
seem weird, go on the internet to relax when usually the computer awakens your
senses. However, I have found that going on Pinterest actually helps me relax
quite a bit. I love to look at pictures of things that I love! Usually I’ll
search either pretty flowers, inspiring quotes, the beach, really anything
happy that just puts me in a good mood.
5.
Write, draw, and doodle you’re heart out
I’m a big fan of
doodling and drawing. More often than not I’ll just pick up a mechanical pencil
and some plain white copy paper and start to draw one thing that inspires me. I
love to focus on detail, so usually my drawings are of roses and rose pedals or
architectural details of my favorite buildings! Recently I discovered that in
front of the New York Public Library’s biggest branch, the Stephan A.
Schwarzman Building on 5th Avenue and 42nd street right
by Bryant Park there is a Bryant Park Art Cart! Right outside the library there
is a cluster of tables and chairs set up with different kinds of art supplies
and an abundance of paper. Anyone can walk right up and sit down and star
drawing. As an advocator for the arts I love this idea and hope everyone in the
city takes advantage of it! The other day I was walking by in-between
appointments and sat and drew the details of the library building for about
half an hour. Being outside and drawing is very relaxing for me and really made
me feel more at ease the rest of the day because I had done something that I
loved!
The same goes
for writing, I’ve learned to always keep a little journal in my purse just
incase I want to write something down. When was younger I always wanted to keep
a diary and be the kind of person that diligently write down the contents of
their day every night but I was never good and it and got bored to quickly.
Thus, but keeping a journal with you there is no pressure and you have the
freedom to jot down thoughts wherever they come to mind. I have found that just
writing things out can reduce anxiety because it then feels like you have
control over the situation.
6.
Have a Dance Party
I have recently
re-read Sarah Dessen’s novel Along for
the Ride and was reminded of the fact that some of the characters in the
book who all work together have a nightly 9 o’clock dance party! I thought this
was a great idea to bring back! Having a little dance party, even if it is by yourself
in your room, can be a great way to de-stress and get your energy up. Pick a
song, put it on loud and just jump around, jam out, and sing your heart out for
a few minutes! If I were in charge I would make this a mandatory part of everyone’s
day :)
Let me know
which one of these relaxation tricks worked for you and don’t forget to
subscribe, I’d really appreciate it!
~ Monique ~
No comments:
Post a Comment