I stress a lot. Way too much. I need ways to calm down and sometimes words of affirmation just don't do the job. I tell myself that Everything will work out. A second later: Hmm...I don't know about that. Usually, words are powerful but most often when I'm in a frantic, anxious state, they're too weak. 

Here are my go-to stress-relieving tips...they work and they work quick...at least for me! 

How to De-Stress (Part 2)

1. Pay attention to your five senses.

Close your eyes. What do you see? Darkness. Oops. Okay, open your eyes. Now, what do you see? My homework and my peanut butter noodles on the dining room table. A painting on the wall. Close your eyes. What do you hear? My brother screaming at his friends over his headset. Anything else? My dad singing. What do you smell? My noodles. What do you taste? Peanut butter (trust me it's good). What do you feel? The soft fabric of my chair. Okay, open your eyes. 

For me, this technique is helpful because it makes me pause.

2. Find a windy spot.

To do this, I like to go on a bike ride (remember to wear a helmet). Sometimes my mom and I hike up to the top of a hill and sit on the bench up there and read. I love the breeze, especially on a cool (but sunny) fall day.

3. Talk to a living thing.

I like to find a sleeping cat and pet her and mess up her 'do. But I love to visit my mom and talk to her about books and weird dreams from the night before or visit my dad and play music in his study. Or maybe you have an imaginary friend. When I was little, I tried to have one. Sadly, we parted ways a few minutes after her creation because imagining her was too much work...whew!

Maybe not this living thing.

That's it for now! If these don't help, try to experiment and find ways that work for you! Thanks for visiting :)