My mom couldn't be more right in this case. Trying to “chill out” and relax can be really difficult though. I find it very rarely really happens for me, so I try to savor the few and far moments when I actually feel calm. Thanksgiving break was one of those rare moments for me. I spent the majority of my break painting and cooking, two things I love to do for pleasure. I’m not a very good artist, but I do love to be creative and use color. I used to find painting as very stressful. The perfectionist in me wants every single thing I do to be at the highest of standards the first time I do it. Obviously, I can't paint like Van Gogh, yet it’s still maddening to me when a painting doesn't come out like a pro’s. Over Thanksgiving break though, I finally chilled out. I made five different paintings, and I actually fully enjoyed it and found peace in creating them (for the most part). Something clicked in my mind, allowing me to let go of any standards and to just paint for fun. It was one of the most relaxing breaks of my life.
Today, I really need to chill out. I decided that I needed to set some time aside today to relax and be creative, something I haven't even thought about since break. I bought a few tiny canvases on my way home from school, and I started painting once I got home. At first, I could see myself falling into the same pattern of getting flustered over every little detail. How can I get so frustrated with something that was supposed to help me relax? I know that I am fully capable of letting go and enjoying myself, but it’s just so hard. Things would be so much easier if I could flip a switch to turn off the constant feelings of worry and doubt looming in my mind. But alas, I can't, so I’ll just have to keep trying for now.I think that now it might be time for me to chill out. I need to remember that it’s okay to take a break sometimes. That’s something that I think a lot of high schoolers need to be reminded of. It may feel like you need to be constantly grinding and working, but sometimes you just need to chill out and relax (easier said than done, though).
Taking time to relax is something that I've been trying to do more of lately.When I get home from school, I usually relax for a half an hour before starting school work because I feel like my mind needs a break from thinking. Then I'll do work for a couple of hours but I'll also get distracted by my phone, dog, parents, etc, so it will take a lot longer than necessary. I would much rather get my school work done (without distractions) and then use my normal distraction time to relax completely, but at this point, I'm in a bad habit of losing focus. Maybe my New Year's Resolution will be to change how I schedule my school work and relaxing time!
ReplyDeleteI really relate to this post. My mom tells me to relax all the time, and I find it to be something I really struggle to do. I let things build until I just explode and usually it is not in a good way. However, I find solace in things like painting (like you), as well as running, and reading among other small activities.
ReplyDeleteI have been in similare situations when I wake up at 7:11 and have to rush to get to school on time. In these situations I'm solely focused on getting to school on time, but other than that, when I don't have a project, paper, test due the next day, I'm a pretty relaxed person. But I think we all get a little uptight when were faced with situations that we are uncomfortable with.
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