Off to Fish

Lately, I've been so busy I haven't taken much time for myself. But this weekend, on Saturday, when I had nothing going on, I took the opportunity to go fishing with my boyfriend. At first I was skeptical thinking that I was gonna sit for hours in boredom , but I have to stay that it was actually quite relaxing; hearing the sound of water, connecting with nature, feeling the sun on my face, it was all just so peaceful. So tho week, I thought I just encourage everyone to go out and enjoy nature. Its such a great de-stressor and if you're like me, it often gets over looked.

The Big C

College.

So, like many other seniors out there, I'm currently going through the college admission process and let me just say it is defiantly more stressful then I imagined it would be. The  anticipation of finding out where you got in, the excitement of getting in, or disappointment of getting rejected, but most of all, just the unknownness of it all, the empty slate that is your future, is so daunting and so stressful! So for all you out there going through the same thing, I wish you the best of luck and remember that no matter what happens it's all for the best. Take baths, light candles, wear fuzzy socks, do whatever it takes to stress less during this time and remember it is ending soon enough!

Spa Day

What's more relaxing than a day at the spa?  I can't think of much. But unfortunately not all of us have the time or the money for a spa day, so this week I thought I'd share these great, natural DIY spa treatments. So next time you're stressing out, take a break, relax, and treat yourself with these yummy recipes.
Check them out here!
Emjoy :)

Body Confidence

Sometimes one of the most stressful things in life can be a simple 10 pounds. As a girl especially, I've always felt very self conscious of my body and always feel that there's something I need to change. Often it's my weight. The terrifying number on the scale and the size of the clothes I buy are ALWAYS in the back of my mind, especially when I'm around my friends.  It's difficult when you go prom dress shopping with friends and they are all searching in the small sections and you're over in the larges. All it does is put me down, and makes me stress about my weight. But instead of constantly stressing over my body or doing something rash, like a crash diet, I've decide to make a vow for body confidence. I think this is something all girls need to do, because if you're not happy with yourself, how do expect to be happy? And further more, its stupid that anyone should feel unhappy over a thing like weight. Everyone, EVERYONE, is beautiful no matter their weight. And even though its hard, I think its important that everyone remembers that. So this week, I thought I'd share the steps I've taken to be more body confident in hopes that others may follow suit :)
First, I went ahead, and as an avid Seventeen reader, signed the Body Peace Pledge.
Second, I vowed to stop "fat talk" whether about me or my friends. And instead focus on the things I love about myself.
Third, if I get down about my body, I vow to treat it right and not "punish" for not looking the way I want it too. I'll feed it healthily food and workout.
And that's it!

The EXAM CRAM

I found this guy this weekend, and as a student couldn't help but not want to share it. So Enjoy :)

And remember NOT to stress over exams.

BREAD

Bread is great. You can toast it, make it a sandwhich, or even dip it. Plus who doesn't love a carb? But  bread is great in another way too, bread can also be an acronym to help combat stress. I've posted ta picture to help exaplain it, so check it out and stay stress free:)

Keeping a Clear Mind

It's harder then it sounds. When something's bothering you, it's hard to keep yourself from not constantly thinking about and agonizing over the issue. This happened to me this week. My boyfriend and I got into a huge fight and for the past three days all I've wanted to do is analyze the problem nine ways till sunday. "Why did he do that?  What should I do, try to make it work or break up?" And so forth until my mind was about ready to explode. So, as a way to cope myself and to help the others of your out there, I decided to do some research on how to keep a clear mind. Here's what I found: (Check out the full site for even more ideas)
1. Massage your earlobes. Doing so moves the tentorium membrane which helps relieve stress
2.If you're like me and can't say no, try this great advice I found. Don't say no, say I'll do it later and don't give a time frame. Then hours, days or even months later, ask if the person if they still need help. Chances are they won't and they'll remember your response in the further and be less likely to ask you for help again.
3. Tell yourself how you want to feel. "I am relaxed, I am worth it."
4. Accept that somethings can't be changed. Imagined what life would be like if the issue didn't happen, and just continue about as so.
5. Make a list of your problems and a plan of action for each.
6.  Look for the shades of gray in the situation. Life isn't black and white. People make mistakes. Learn to accept that and see an issue from all sides.
7. Day dream. Think of something positive that makes you happy and focus on it.
8. Work it out and listen to some empowering tunes.
9. Make yourself laugh. If you're like me and stressing over an argument, imagine the other person in their underwear while you re-envision the fight.
10. Draw with color. The color will brighten your mood and help express your emotions.
Mostly, don't just sit there. Do something, go out, do homework, talk to someone you trust, count the spackle marks on the ceiling, whatever it takes to take your mind off things.
So for all of you out there fighting with a boyfriend, a girlfriend, a parent, co-worker, or just wanting to avoid another one of life's stressful issues, this is for you. Hang in there and stay stress-free :)