Recently these feelings have become a lot more prominent in my life. Whether it’s family, friends, school or work there are so many life changes happening and overwhelming situations that it’s hard to know what to do first or how to make it stop. I’ve collected my favorite things to do whenever I feel this way and I hope this helps you anytime you feel these waves crashing.
1. Journal
I know everyone’s been popularizing this lately but it truly can be amazing. Journals are like that one friend that will always be there to listen. No back-talk, no unsolicited advice, just ears and sometimes that’s just what we all need. But here’s the great thing: they’re so easily accessible!!!! With places ranging from local supermarkets to thrift stores to amazon you can literally go anywhere to buy one or maybe you just have an old one lying around from when you were 8 years old (that works too!).
It feels good to physically write out everything on your mind, good or bad. It’s like yelling in an open field but that pen in your hands won’t hurt your vocal cords afterward. I got mine off of Amazon and I really like it because of its fancy but still, casual look and the passcode lock was really important for me to feel safe in my thoughts.
2. Show Some Love
Whether it’s to yourself or others, doing something kind always boosts my mood. Whenever I truly want to have some peace I’ll do a full skincare routine with lotions, serums, face roller thingies and even light a candle. Woah. Turn on your favorite movie and just let your mind wander.
It can be as small as just taking a shower and then moisturizing, making breakfast for someone, holding the door for a stranger or just giving a hug to someone who needs it. As cheesy as it sounds it really is the little things that can make your day, as well as anothers, so much better.
3. Cleaning
I’m so sure you just rolled your eyes at me and in the rare chance you didn’t close the tab (thank you btw,) this can be so calming. I often notice that the environment I’m in contributes to the way I’m feeling and if you’re spending most of your time in one place, why not make it one less cluttered mess on your mind?
I often start with at least having a made bed and if that’s out of the way then picking up clothing off the floor and throwing it in a basket or on the wash. This can take all of five minutes and relieve overwhelming cluttered feelings. If you have nothing on your floor, what about some good old surface cleaning? Grab some all purpose spray or windex and just wipe away. It feels good knowing that you have a nice place and you’ll feel productive. Sometimes in order to incentivise myself to clean I’ll take myself on a Target run to buy some new or good smelling products which just makes me feel better as well.
4. Shake Your Butt
I don’t care how big or small it is, but there’s something about looking in a mirror and shaking everything that feels so good (and free might I add). Turn on some pop music, old Disney songs or whatever gets you pumped up and just jump around for three minutes. The more we sit stagnant in our feelings, the more our energy drops. The buzzing of jumping and dancing around raises your vibrations and will change your state of mind completely. No one can be sad listening to an old One Direction song, it’s just science.
5. Exercise
Similarly to dancing your heart out, any form of movement is better than none. Now when I feel this way the last thing I want to do is be on a treadmill or drag myself far away from my bed so let’s stay home! As ignorant as this sounds I recently discovered a lot of quick and minimal effort workouts on Youtube specifically @MoveWithNicole. She has a lot of low effort, no equipment workouts under 30 minutes and they’re so relaxing!!!! It’s enough to feel like you worked hard, but not to make you even more tired. Get a towel/mat and pop a video onto your phone, laptop, or TV!
6. Get Your Hands Moving
I hope you’re recognizing a recurring theme that just sitting and letting feelings swallow you is the worst thing you could possibly do. When I feel like the way it’s usually synonymous with a lot of pent-up energy with nowhere to go so I try to start by moving it one way or another. Learning to make croissants was one way, starting a blog and learning coding is another. Allow yourself a creative outlet to channel that clouded energy into and watch your skies clear up.
7. Take a Hike Kid
If all else fails and sounds gross to you just remember that nature is free. Sometimes being in one place too long clogs our brains from thinking right and all we need is a change of environment. Put on a podcast and take a stroll! If going alone sounds awful to you, consider messaging a friend to help motivate you and maybe you can even help each other.
My favorite podcast currently is Anything Goes by Emma Chamberlain. It just sounds like you’re having a conversation or storytime with a friend and to a young 20-year-old girl she’s very relatable.
I want you to remember that emotions are temporary and there is always a way. If you are ever feeling something too strong or for too long help is just a question away so please feel free to reach out to any authoritative figure in your life or mental health professional.
This too shall pass.
