Tips for Handling Stress

Alright, let's face it...if you're a teen like me, you tend to get stressed...a lot. Ignore what the adults say about us being dramatic, because this part {at least} is 100% true. I'm constantly juggling dance, school, friends, blogging, running a website, and all of the clubs and activities I'm in. I'll be the first to admit that sometimes it just becomes too much, and I have to try relaxing. Here are some tips for handling stress, as inspired by allisimpson.com:

1. Take a nice hot bubble bath. It's a pretty time-consuming thing, but it's amazing what some scented bubbles and a gossip magazine can do.

2. Take a day off. This one may seem really hard, but it's not. Pick one day this weekend and just do what YOU want. For me, I'd lounge around in pajamas eating ice cream and reading and blogging. Do whatever you want to...even if you just want to sleep! 

3. Listen to your favorite music. Pretty self explanatory. And pretty helpful, too. You'll be surprised how quickly you'll relax.

4. Take a nap. You know how we always say that we just wanna toss all of our responsibilities and homework away and just lay down and sleep? Do it. Set your alarm to go off in an hour, crawl under the covers, and catch some z's. 

5. Eat well! This one is scientifically proven...the healthier you eat, the less stressed you'll be! Cutting back on preservatives, caffeine and fatty foods will make you feel 10x better, I promise. 

6. Take a walk. Sometimes all you need is a walk through the crisp air to clear your head.

7. Exercise. This one isn't as "relaxing" as the previous 6 may be, but it's just as effective! Work out for a good hour or two (and don't forget the Motrin for the soreness afterwards!) and then take a hot shower. You'll feel toned and refreshed.

8. Vent. I will always stand by venting as an extremely helpful option. Scribble all of your thoughts in a journal! It may seem like too much work when you just want to be relaxing, but you'll be surprised at how much better (and ready to face your duties( you'll feel.

9. Social media. Social media (Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, etc.) is a good way to de-stress yourself. Log on and spend a little while browsing and posting and Tweeting, and you'll feel relaxed and ready to take on your daily duties.

10. Have a hot drink and curl up on the couch. Set aside an hour or two and curl up on the couch with some cocoa/coffee/tea and a warm blanket and just let yourself watch T.V. and doze off.

11. Eat some healthy comfort food. Surprisingly, hearty soups make you feel great.

12. Do NOTHING. Yeah, that's right. Clear your schedule for two hours to just sit and rest and do absolutely nothing. 

Good luck with the world ending tomorrow! I don't know about you guys, but I'll see you all back here bright and early on Saturday, December 22nd...when we get to sit back and laugh in the faces of everyone who was scared. ;) 

Merry Christmas!

xoxo,

Jessica
The Pastry Queen

Quote of the Day:

"Believe you can, and you're [already] halfway there." -Teddy Roosevelt

Disclaimer: Some of these ideas were inspired from Alli Simpson and also The Daily Mind.