Shrug Off The Stress

I will admit I am very easily stressed out.  I blame my “people pleasing personality” – I always take on more than I should, then I have moments of panic when I think things won’t get done in time (of course, they always do.) I compiled a list of some of the best ways I have found to decompress and shrug off the stress after a long, hard day.  With midterms approaching, or maybe already here for some of you, I couldn’t think of a better time to share!

{This week I am especially missing relaxing nights like these at the lake!}

WATCH

Whether it’s a short YouTube clip to give your brain a little break, or an hour long show that you work into your schedule, I always find that watching something can help take my mind off of the source of stress at hand. 

MOVE

Stop sitting in the same place! Go for a walk outside, hit the gym, do a little yoga, or dance it out! As we all well know, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy…” (You can finish the rest, thank you Elle Woods!) Moving around and letting your mind focus on your body for a while is a great way to shake off that excess stress and mentally prepare for continuing to do your best!

READ

I love to read - magazines, books, blogs - you name it! I try to have a book on hand to read when time permits, but it’s hard with the reading I have already for school.  A magazine is great because it’s shorter and easy to flip through.  This will help take your mind off of things for a bit – plus you can fantasize about those gorgeous new shoes that came out this season!

CHAT

Cliché, I know, but I always call my mom when I’m stressed. Mostly because I know I can freak out to her and she won’t be annoyed.  It’s also nice to hear a familiar voice when you’re drowning in work.  Taking the time to talk to family or friends you haven’t spoken to in a while will provide a nice distraction.

CLEAN

I’ll admit this one is weird but I always find that cleaning helps me de-stress. I can’t focus if my apartment is a wreck (and during a stressful week, it typically is!) Taking the time to clean up, fold clothes, put dishes away, etc. can help clear your mind. Plus you can see the results right away; this is encouraging – especially when you’re stuck writing a paper or trying to move on to the next math problem.

Think of any tips I missed? Let me know in the comments your favorite ways to de-stress!  

♥ Caro

Rainy Day Reads: Jodi Picoult

I've always loved Jodi Picoult books, especially the most recent one I read entitled The Storyteller.  I started reading her books per my mother’s recommendation.  I have been in love with reading since I was younger and it was always a struggle for her to find books I hadn’t already read.  I started with My Sister’s Keeper (the book is SO much better than the movie) then I went on to read everything she published. She is an author I have continued to read over the years, as I have grown up and years later I still thoroughly enjoy her stories.  I love her writing because she knows how to keep you guessing.  Every book has some sort of twist ending that catches you by surprise. I also love that she deals with intense and poignant topics, relevant today. 

The Storyteller is about a shy baker, Sage, who befriends an old man, Josef, through a grief counseling group she attends after her mothers death.  When Josef unveils a dark secret, Sage must decide the right path to take and the mystery begins to unfold.  A moral dilemma, historical fiction, and many exciting twists and turns, this book kept me on the edge of my seat.  I loved reading it – it was one of those books I couldn’t put down and I could not wait to recommend it to you! Happy reading! 

♥ Caro

Rainy Day Reads: Mindy Kaling

I have always loved to read, as I have gotten older it has been harder to find time to sit down and enjoy a good book.  This summer, I was able to get through several books on my list – thanks to several rainy days at the beach.  One of them was Mindy Kaling’s memoir, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) a collection of essays, anecdotes, and stand up bits that was hilarious and a really great read. And now I just really want to hang out with her.  She is someone that everyone can relate to, detailing everything from body image, to her awkward encounters with people, and especially her work adventures, every story provides some kind of link into her readers personal lives.  It is always so refreshing when you realize someone famous is like you and, wait for it…. normal *gasp* Her ups and downs prove that success does not come over night and it is refreshing to read about someone who worked hard to succeed, without sacrificing who she is in the process. Mindy had me laughing out loud and calling my friends in to the room with a, “Hey! Listen to this…” After thoroughly enjoying this book, I can’t wait for her new book, entitled Why Not Me? to debut out in the coming year.  Basically, Mindy is great, and if you’re looking for a fun, happy, and hilarious read then this is the book for you!

♥ Caro