Elevation

You look at any persons face in today's world and every 9 out of 10 human being has either got a look of constipation, like they're about to give birth, like they've got something smelly up their nose  or they've got something highly uncomfortable stuck up their ass. I have this little challenge I try to trump everyday: Find 10 people who smile. And blimey is it hard! And when I actually do see someone who decides to flash their pearly whites to the world, it's quite a sight to behold.

I get the whole " we have so much work and a family to run " stress, but if it's so stressful why did you choose it? And now that it is what your life is about, make the most of it. Unfortunately there is always going to be something to freak out about. You didn't finish an assignment on time, your relationship is like a raft headed for a waterfall ( philosophy at it's best ladies and gentleman ), your boss is a first class pain in the ass. And it just keeps coming. Once you hit 18, responsibility is what pretty much defines your life. And it won't stop unless you find a long lost aunt who's fortune you inherit or you manage to find someone who is excessively rich and marry them. But even in such fairy tale situations, you'll find that it's not as perfect as you think it is.

You know what they say ( and I've always wondered who this 'they' is but works for me ), "keep your friends close and your enemies closer". Think of stress as your smelly faced enemy. And embrace the sod.  It's important to accept that you're stressing out and instead of stressing about stress, find solutions. I know it's easier said and done and shizz, and that when you're in the moment, all you feel like doing is breaking a wall or punching someone in the gutts, but honestly it does help to just kick back for more than 5 nano seconds and list out what's getting to you. Don't write off the stress you're feeling because that's just letting yourself down. When something's wrong, it needs to be made right, and when it comes to a problem we're having, only we can sort it out.

I have a bunch of stress busters you could call them, that keep me going and out of trouble. It takes a lot of patience, tolerance and will power to not lose your sanity, but at the end of it all, you know it was worth not punching your colleague in the face or just running away from the country incognito. And you get this triumphant feeling of " NAILED IT".

I've had my share of stressful times but now I've learnt how to deal with it really well. Sometimes so well I don't even feel like I'm stressed about it. Only because I took the decision to make my life even better than it is and not find excuses or make complaints. Because trust me, that only makes the situation a whole lot worse.

#1: Accepting the fact that you're stressed and that only you can figure things out. That's key. Don't just write off how you feel because you're just adding to problems you may have in the future.

#2: Music. My number 1 stress buster. Not only does it soothe you, but it takes you out of reality and keeps your brain sane and prevents an explosion. I don't mean listen to really sad and tragic songs when you feel down because that's just silly. Listen to something with a few good beats, guitar solos, fancy lyrics. Whatever it is, just nice and pleasant or downright brutal. And for those of you who think Metal music has negative effects on the brain or the body, you're mistaken. I've heard that come from many people and it really isn't true. It's a stereotypical view. In fact, it gets your blood pumping and you feel elevated. Any stressful situation I'm in, music is my answer. The more stressful, the heavier the music. =P Even stuff like Antonio Vivaldi, Beethoven and the like, are absolutely brilliant if you like classical music.

Arnold's trippin'.

#3. Cook. I love cooking. It's really therapeutic and sometimes when you're not in the best of moods, cooking can life your spirits. It's fun to experiment too with different kinds of ingredients and try out new recipes. Not only are you making a productive use of your time, you're also doing something creative. And you can binge later.

Or you could just not use vessels. Whatever works. 

A big no no: DO NOT BINGE. Yes, in the movies, the girls bring out huge tubs of ice cream after a break up and it seems to work. But it doesn't. You just become chubby and unhealthy and that is not how you deal with stress. Eat but don't put your body through a bingefest. A few cookies and candy is fine. This is just health conscious me talking. I always think it's of utmost importance to avoid anything that can affect your body internally and externally.
     

 EQUALS  

  

#4:  Comedy: Dylan Moran, Ed Byrnes, Russell Peters, Dara O'Brian  there are SO many. And they're all so friggin hilarious. You need to laugh till you pee when you feel down. It's essential!!!! Or watch a really funny movie. It works every time for me. Heck, even random Youtube videos work. I laugh at the stupidest things so Youtube is quite the savior at times.






This I just HAD to post because. You know why. YUMMY.

#5:  Talk to someone: It helps to vent a little. And to someone who is willing to listen. If you want advice you can ask for that too. But this is usually a last resort for me. Because I like dealing with things myself and seeing that I can come out of it alive is a good feeling. But it helps to just sit and have a chat with someone you trust. And sometimes you just need that other crazy person around you to have a good laugh and drown your sorrows. Or to help you kick someone's ass.




#6: Animals: For those of you who have pets, your solution for stress is well taken care of. There's nothing better than a furry, four legged creature to cuddle, squish and to have slobber on you. Go out throw a frisbee or a ball around and you'll find yourself all cheery and good again.








I WANT ONE. SOMEONE FROM CHINA SEND ME A BABY PANDA.



#7: Exercise: This is one of my other major stress busters. And it works so well. I still remember, whenever I used to fall sick, I'd go out and play football and come back feeling like I just won a war. A good, long run, or even a brisk walk with some awesome music playing makes you feel so good! Hee, it's like that TeenagePost thingy that says, "When  I walk with music in my ears, I feel like i'm in a music video". I laugh at that every time I see it. I think I posted it earlier! Running is a brilliant stress relief strategy.

#8: It helps to write. Blog, write in a journal, or just write something on a piece of paper and then tear it up! It's all good.


Most importantly, learn to love your life because as I've come to understand, unless you do that, everything will seem like a problem or something to stress about. And that's no fun now, is it? =)