The older I get, the more I realize that stress in itself, is an inevitable part of life. Stress is sort of silly in a way, one moment you think you're fine, then it just slowly creeps up on you. Last year, I happened to stress myself out so damn much that it began to take a physical toll on me. Since then, I've come to realize that it's crucial that every so often, you detox that stress and just let go. Here are ten more ways to detox stress:
1. Paint Your Heart Out
1. Paint Your Heart Out
Recently, I began taking an Art History class at my school and so far, I have been loving it! Painting or simply coloring is such a therapeutic activity that really allows you to do paint or draw whatever the hell you want! Whenever I'm feeling down, I open up my sketch book and usually attempt to create a fashion sketch of some sort. If you're ever feeling under the weather, try it out!
2. Read a Good Book
2. Read a Good Book
If I'm being honest here, as a child I was never that into reading, which is quite ironic considering the fact that I love writing. But this summer, that all changed. I read J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye and I fell in love. If you hate reading, that's only because you haven't came across the book, the book that makes you feel happy that you were alive just to read it! If you haven't found that book, just keep on reading.
3. Dance Like No One's Watching
3. Dance Like No One's Watching
Whenever I'm feeling really stressed, I find that dancing seems to help. Yes, you read that right, dancing. I'm the absolute worst at dancing, yet when I dance and jump around to The 1975's This Must Be My Dream I feel like I'm on ecstasy. As lame as it may sound, this method is fool-proof and will not only leave you feeling anxiety-free, but happy too!
4. Bake a Treat
4. Bake a Treat
Once in a while, I find it relaxing to just indulge a bit. The best way to indulge without breaking your bank is baking! Not only is this method quite delectable, but it's also fun! Gather your gal-pals or your bros and bake some treats!
5. Light a Candle
5. Light a Candle
There really is nothing like lighting a candle. Whenever I feel like I'm losing mind, I simply take a few breaths and light a candle. If you're really stressed, I highly recommend lighting a lavender scented candle which is known to ease tension headaches.
6. Daydream
6. Daydream
Although you shouldn't be daydreaming 24/7, daydreaming can actually be a good thing! Whenever you feel hopeless or sad, daydreaming can give you hope and comfort. At times, it feels as if we have nothing to look forward to, when in reality, that's not the case at all. Daydreaming gives us a glimpse of hope as well as future that we may seek. If anything, daydreaming can push us to work harder!
7. Play with a Pet
7. Play with a Pet
I could be having the worst day of my life, and my dog (best friend, tbh) still wouldn't fail to make me smile. Studies have even shown that interacting with a dog, or any animal for that matter, can relieve stress. Besides relieving stress, running around and playing with your dog can also improve your cardiovascular health. I can't help but wonder, what did we do to deserve dogs??
8. Walk Outside and Breathe
8. Walk Outside and Breathe
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If there's anything that helps, it's taking a deep breath. Since the weather is finally getting a bit cooler, there's nothing I love more than taking a walk outside. Tomorrow, go outside, take a walk, and breathe!
9. Watch Your Favorite Movie
Everyone has a favorite movie. Watching your favorite movie can relax your brain and make you feel as if nothing else matters in that moment in time. As you probably know by now, my favorite movie in the entire world is Breakfast at Tiffany's. I've seen this film about a million times and chances are, I'll watch it a million more! Whenever I am having a bad day, I come home and watch the film. There really is no place like Tiffany's! ;)
10. Have a Pamper Day
10. Have a Pamper Day
Every now and then, I like to have a pamper day! Put on a face mask, exfoliate, and light some candles! This will leave you and your skin feeling light, relaxed, and rejuvenated!
If you're ever feeling down or stressed, please don't hesitate to talk to me. I know first-hand that talking to someone genuinely helps. Remember that there's always a new day and to take one step at a time.
With lots of love,
K.B. Baker
If you're ever feeling down or stressed, please don't hesitate to talk to me. I know first-hand that talking to someone genuinely helps. Remember that there's always a new day and to take one step at a time.
With lots of love,
K.B. Baker