Pieces of Peace

During the holiday season, I love being around family and seeing old hometown friends. There’s something very nostalgic about going to bed in your childhood room and visiting your favorite local restaurants. As much as I love this, it can sometimes feel overwhelming, almost like you no longer fit into the place. I get this feeling whenever I am home, and I have to remind myself of all the positive things that are at home and also give space for myself to understand what I’m feeling. This is a super unique feeling, but some of my tricks can work anytime you feel overwhelmed and need a minute to yourself. Taking care of yourself is top-tier, and here at The Edge, we get that.

1. Dive into that book you have been waiting to read.

For me, and as a writer, my “want to read” list is longer than my actual read list. I always say that I don’t have time and I want to actually sit down and enjoy what I’m reading. Well, lucky for us, “break” provides us with that time. The only obligation you have during your time off is to relax; diving into a good book is the perfect way to do that. You get transported into a world outside of your own, allowing you to take a break from the real world. When life gets big and becomes too much, some healthy escaping helps. Also, by reading, you are expanding your vocabulary and inadvertently educating yourself a little more, so it’s a win-win!

2. Take a walk and make that call!

I am a HUGE fan of a classic “hot girl walk.” It does wonders for me physically, but more so mentally. Fresh air, moving my body and putting on some good music is the recipe for extra endorphins. But, instead of listening to music, I go through and call people I haven’t gotten around to calling in a while. Life gets busy, and you get into a routine, and sometimes, reaching out to people slips through the cracks. Use this time to catch up, hear about their life updates, and give some space to air recent accomplishments! Calling old friends will provide you with some good nostalgia that’ll fill your cup and give you an extra boost to carry you through the day.

3. Do some work.

Here me out on this one because I felt crazy even typing that, but I promise I have a good point here. Okay, so “break” is supposed to be a break from school, but unfortunately, we do have work waiting for us. There’s always some underlying stress hanging over me when I know I have work I need to do. Sitting down and locking in helps you get things done and lets you get a little break from everything. There’s something strangely peaceful about grinding out some work. And once you’re done, you will feel so accomplished and less stressed!

None of these are a complete answer to how you’re feeling at any moment. Feelings differ depending on the person, situation and reaction. The best thing you can do for yourself is listen to what your body needs. Lean on the people around you; they only want the best for you. Know that every moment is temporary and life will continue, so don’t let the bad things hold too much space in your life for too long. Find a little peace in the day-to-day to make those challenging moments just a little lighter.