The Monsters in Us

"There's no room anymore for quiet and calm and thoughtful reflection.... We have made monsters of ourselves." - Roxane Gay

In the crazy world that we live in, we have to put aside time to destress.  As a high school student, I can attest to feeling overwhelmed with school work and extra curricular activities, and taking it out on someone else.  I think everyone has probably done it at some point or another.  It's been a very long day.  You're feeling tired and hungry and you don't want to talk to anyone.  One little thing could set you off, and you feel your blood boiling when your Mom asks you to "please take out the trash".  It's a harmless question really, but after the day that you've had, you feel like one more thing on your list would make you jump out of your skin.  There's an answer to this problem!  Instead of unleashing your inner monster on your family or friends, find a way to destress.  This is different for everyone, and varies greatly depending on the person.  Listed below are a few ideas to get you started on a calm and peaceful road forward.  Your family will hardly recognize you!

1. exercise

2. eat healthy foods

3. take deep breathes

4. spend time in nature

5. do something creative (paint, draw, build)

6. take a nap

7. don't procrastinate

8. volunteer or serve someone else

9. smile or laugh

10. make a list of the things you need to get done.
11. keep a journal