I’m writing this extremely pissed off. I’m actually slamming my keyboard with much more vehemence than is necessary and there’s a rage inside me burning brightly. Why? Because I’ve had a pretty shitty day, it’s been long, painful and people have wound me up on all kinds of levels. My laptop has just had a meltdown and I thought I’d lost a years worth of pics, so that didn’t help either. Anyway, I’m putting on my positivity pants, they’re black like my soul, and I’m going to turn the frown upside down.

When I’m feeling like this, and I recognise it, I try to do a few things that help me chill out. Now, I’m obviously not suggesting this will work for everyone but it helps me.

1. WRITE
   I’m already starting to calm the fuck down and I’ve only written two paragraphs. Writing has always been my outlet, my love, my therapy, and it has saved me on many occasions.
2. READ
   Books, audiobooks, ebooks, whatever your preference; lose yourself in a novel.
3. CALL SOMEONE
   I always call my best friend, if I’ve had a shit day, he usually has too, it’s quite weird how in-sync we are. After a rage and a chat about reality TV I’m usually laughing and forget why I was stressed. My mum is also my ‘person to call’, because, well, duh, she’s my mum.
4. LISTEN TO MUSIC
   And have a dance party. Sing loudly, and have a concert in your room. I usually play my favourite songs and if I don’t know the words (I never do, I’m shit at remembering lyrics), I get the lyrics up online and sing along. Just call me Queen Bey.
5. GO OUTSIDE
   Walk, drive, whatevs, go get some fresh air. I like to go for a drive, I find it relaxes me and makes me concentrate on the road. I can also combine this with listening to music (without the lyrics), so that’s a two for one.
6. GET CRAFTY
   Colouring books are my pals when I’m stressed. It makes me focus and I really enjoy it. Obviously if my hands are painful, it’s a no-go but there’s plenty of other ways to get creative.
7. WATCH SOMETHING
   Hello Netflix my old friend. I’m a massive telly-head and there’s usually something I can binge-watch for a while.
8. PAMPER SESSION
   I do love a pamper night, and doing my full skincare routine including a face mask is always bloody lovely. I also really enjoy getting my nails done or giving myself a pedicure.
9. CUTE ANIMALS
   YouTube the shit out of adorable puppies (or whatever your preferred pet is). I get on Twitter and ask people for pet pics and they come flooding in – best times.
10. NAP
    Sometimes a nap doesn’t solve everything, and other times it’s the best thing ever. If you fancy a nap, go have that nap babe.