How I Destress

Hey everyone! This is probably going to be my first open conversation to you, not just about my life experiences and what I like to do, like Disneyland. This topic about self love is close to my heart and my values. Self love is incorporated in my life, when it comes to my physical health, mental health, and school. Without loving myself and wanting to take care of myself and my relationships, I feel nothing and that I'm just wasting my life.

PHYSICAL HEALTH

HEALTH IS WEALTH EVERYONE!!! I got this motto from a girl on Instagram and it just speaks to me, for real! The past two years, I've been going to the gym, walking outside, and trying to dance more just to get my body moving! I dread going to the gym or whatever, but then after I feel amazing and keep wanting to go again! I feel like that's everyone's struggle. I've also been going to different classes at the gym and that's been fun to just change up my workouts. My favorite class so far has been body combat because I love feeling like I can kick someone's a$$ after it! Switching up your workouts help you stay motivated towards your goal, whether it's losing weight, gaining muscle, or just wanting to keep up with your health, and It keeps you out of that slump of not wanting to work out. 

Eating healthy and staying track on that is hard for me. Let's be real, some days I would rather just eat some chips and cookies rather than a salad..sorry about it. 

Mental Health

Clearing your head and calming yourself down are so important to relax and enjoy time for yourself. A common way to do this is to relax in bed, be alone, and read or watch television. That's definitely me when I need time by myself from everyone and just life. When I'm alone in my bedroom, I like to either watch Youtube videos, read whatever book I'm reading, Netflix whatever show I'm obsessed with (which is Jane the Virgin right now), and just be on social media on my phone. Yes, I know it is bad to be on your phone right before I fall asleep, but it's too hard to stop! This relaxing part happens either in the morning when I don't have school or work or at the end of my day at night. I also like to light a candle to set the ambiance and turn on my string lights that are above my bed.
I know another way to clear your head is to meditate, which I want to try but it's hard for me to calm my mind from racing with my thoughts. But I've heard meditation is great with breathing exercises and listening to meditation sounds or directions to help calm your mind.
When my mind is racing with thoughts and events that happened, it's all I think about. I also tend to think about what I have to do the next day or soon, kind of like going over a check list and that definitely puts pressure on myself.

desTress yourself

I actually enjoy doing this this after studying for exams, doing lots of homework, and after a long day at school or work. Basically at times when I feel very stressed and overwhelmed. One way for me to de stress myself is to take a bath. I like using Lush bath bombs and bubble bars because they smell amazing, are nourishing, and look pretty in the tub. I watch YouTube videos or bath a relaxing Spotify playlist and sit in the bath for about 15 minutes. Thanks mom and dad for letting me use your big tub!
I also like to read whatever book I’m reading at that moment. Right now I’m reading a motivational book called “Adventures For Your Soul" by Shannon Kaiser.
The last book I read before this was the poetry book “Milk and Honey” and it was really good and it relaxed me and my running thoughts. I also like to light a candle when I’m winding down in my room when I’m reading or watching tv. But not For too long because if I blow the candle out, the smell of smoke and the candle scent will stay in my room when I fall asleep. My favorite candle from Bath and Body Works that helps me calm down is Focus from their Aromatherapy line and it smells like tea and eucalyptus and it's probably my favorite candle ever!! 

When I’m at school and I’m feeling stressed over an exam or a class and I’m on my break, I like to sit outside to get fresh air, drink an iced tea, listen to my many Spotify playlists, and zone out on my computer. Whether I’m writing a blog post, online shopping, reading, whatever. It’s my time at school to do whatever I want and not worry about homework at the time. Just breathe through your troubles and stresses and remember it will be over and be better.

Another way I like to not worry about my troubles is to stay busy by doing something I like to do. One way is going to Disneyland! I’m fortunate where I can go whenever I want because of my annual pass so I take advantage of it. Even if I go just for a little bit to get something to eat or ride one attraction, it’s worth it because that place makes me happy and I’m away from my stress. I also like going out with my mom and best friends by just doing something, like to the mall, get a drink like boba or tea, to the beach (which I haven’t gone in a while), walking outside, and get something to eat.

I hope you enjoyed my ways of calming myself down in stressful times. It’ll all be over for you students when either spring break is here or finals are done! Just love yourself and know that you are worth it even in those terrible times and it’ll make you an dthe situation easier and better! You go Glen Coco!

xo