Taking a Breather
From the desks of: Caitlin Theall
To say there is a lot going on in the world and in our country right now would be an understatement. I have been experiencing a lot of emotions lately with all that is going on around us. Sometimes I feel like shutting everything off and taking some time away for myself, but I have learned that is not the right thing to do, especially now. It’s important to take the time to educate ourselves on matters we are not familiar with.
Sometimes it can be overwhelming constantly watching the news, seeing posts on social media and hearing about all the negative things going on around us. As important as it is to learn about new topics and see how we can help, it’s also important to take a step back when you need to, clear your mind and take a deep breath. Below is a list of things that help me clear my head and take a breather when I need a break. I hope they will help you too.
1 Exercising
Now that we are in June, the weather is becoming more consistent and it’s so nice to be able go outside to walk or run and get some fresh air. This is a great way for me to take a break and stretch my legs, listen to music or a podcast, or walk with a friend (socially distant of course)!
2. Reading
Reading has become a great way for me to clear my head because I get pulled into the narrative and forget what is going on in my personal life and the world around us (that can be a good or bad thing). I always keep a list in my phone of books I want to read, and it’s been nice to be able to check some books off of my list. I am also in a book club with some friends and that has been a great way for us to all connect via Zoom every few weeks.
One book I just finished and loved was Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. I highly suggest it! If you have any book recommendations, please send them my way, I would love to add to my list!
Click through to buy!
3. Watching a New Movie or TV Series
I will admit it, I am a big TV junkie. Netflix, Hulu, you name it, I can’t resist! I always look forward to getting into bed at the end of the day and tuning into a show or movie. Watching TV and movies is a lot like reading in the way that it can pull you in and take your mind off of things for a bit.
On the other hand, TV and movies are great resources to continue to learn about new topics as well. There are a lot of movies and documentaries that exist nowadays that can be used as learning tools too.
One show I have been watching lately to unplug is Amy Schumer Learns to Cook on Food Network.Not only is it funny, but I am learning new recipes too!
4. Cooking/Baking
The end of item #3 is a great Segway to my next suggestion…with all the time I have spent at home because of quarantine, it has been really nice to start cooking full meals again and trying out new recipes! I have always enjoyed cooking and baking, but it can be hard during the week with a full-time job and commuting. Although I wish the world and our country was not going through all that we are right now, I am doing my best to find the positives, like having the time to cook and bake.
One of my favorite things to make these days is buffalo cauliflower. I am a pescatarian and one of the things I miss the most is buffalo chicken, so this is the perfect substitute for me! This is a great recipe I like to follow: https://tasty.co/recipe/buffalo-cauliflower
5. Online Shopping
Shopping is another great activity to take some time away for yourself and treat yourself! We are all living through some tough times right now…so I say celebrate the little successes you have and treat yourself to something new. I think it is also important to support local businesses during this time if you can.
6. Music
“Where words fail, music speaks.” -Hans Christian Andersen
Music is another great way to unplug but it’s also a great way to hone into your feelings. Whatever emotion you are feeling, there is a song that you can relate your feelings to. Happier songs have been helping me lately; if you want to check out some happy songs too, check out this playlist from our very own Phoebe Allen!
I hope you can take some time to clear your head when you need to. I hope you also continue to learn more about topics you are unfamiliar with. I love that there is always something new to learn.