Life has been a lot lately. With recent political events, the dreading sense that we’re rushing toward WWIII, the realization that graduation is looming over my head, and personal issues, it’s been pretty easy to overwhelm me lately. Despite the amount of homework I already have to do, (seriously though? I’m a second semester senior. I thought this was supposed to be easy) I still consider it incredibly important to save time for decompressing and loitering. Obviously, work is important—but my sanity supersedes.
When it comes to staying sane in tough times, I firmly believe in distraction. While it is incredibly important to be aware of what is going on in the world right now, and to be active, I see nothing wrong with disconnecting every once in a while for the sake of your own sanity. In fact, I’m pretty sure you’d go crazy if you didn’t.
I know a lot of people are struggling to relax right now, and that is totally understandable with all that’s going on in the world right now. Despite this, I think it’s imperative that we all do take a step back, take a deep breath, and disconnect for half an hour. You can’t run a marathon on no sleep.
So, how do you do it? How do you disconnect when the entire world is collapsing around you? It’s hard. Here are my top 5 tips.
1. Go to a concert
This is my favorite thing to do. Ever. But especially when I’m feeling down, lonely, or hopeless with the world. Music has been one of the most important things in my life since middle school, and going to concerts is a peak experience for me. When I feel like the entire world is against me, it’s incredible to be surrounded by like-minded people, screaming lyrics that have changed my life, watching my idols do their thing. There’s pretty much no better high.
2. Watch some harmless TV
I’m talking mind-numbing, incredible, so bad it’s good or so good it’s good, reality TV and sitcoms. Friends is on Netflix, The Bachelor is on ABC.com, Fixer Upper is on HGTV’s website, there’s pretty much always a Spongebob marathon on some channel. Let your brain go to mush for an hour, there’s literally no shame in that.
3. Bake something
The best part of baking is eating it afterward—or seeing the look on the face of the person you deliver unexpected chocolate chip cookies to. Blast some Taylor Swift and preheat the oven.
4. Play a game
The Sims, Settlers of Catan, Cards Against Humanity, Sorry, learn to juggle, whatever it is. Have a little bit of fun.
5. Fall into the Youtube rabbit hole
Start with makeup videos, end up with that video of the narcoleptic sheep. Just stay on the right side of the insanity that is Youtube.