Let Loose and Have Fun!

“Just let loose and have fun!!” These are the six words one of my very best friends tells me almost everyday. To be one hundred percent real and honest, I really struggle with this task. I find that it’s really hard for me to just let loose and have fun. Lately, I’ve been trying really hard to manage my stress better so that I can “just let loose and have fun”.

The first way I’ve been working to manage my stress is setting a bed time for myself. I know, I know, bedtimes are for babies! However, I’ve found that by setting a time for me to stop working and start to wind down has really helped me ensure I get enough rest every night. Sleeping and getting enough rest is crucial to staying motivated when things feel boarderline overwhelming. Being well rested helps me remain motivated to get tasks done and helps me stay in a better routine. Although I’ve tried to prove forever that a consistent sleep schedule isn’t important, I have really noticed that by getting myself into a better routine it helps me not be as stressed about the important things coming up.

The second way I’ve started dialing in on managing my stress is making a to-do list when I’m overwhelmed. I know for many of us when something gets overwhelming we try to avoid it or push it off, however I’ve found that writing it out it helps put the situation into perspective. Putting the situation into perspective and breaking it down into steps really helps me work my way through it. Now, instead of shying away from overwhelming tasks, I embrace the opportunity they are bringing me!

The final way I’ve been helping myself with stress management is planning time for fun! I’ve been trying to make time for things that I know I enjoy. For example, this weekend I reconnected with nature by going hiking! I really enjoyed making time to get outdoors and get away from all of the stress life brings. Taking a break and planning in fun things to look forward to helps me stay motivated and remember my “why.”

These three habits I’ve started implementing have really helped me become more productive so I can “let loose and have fun” more often. By sleeping well and breaking down obstacles I’ve found myself with more free time. With that little bit of extra free time I’ve had the opportunity to do more fun things and practice my hobbies more regularly. I always told my friend that I was much to busy to just be letting loose and having fun. I would tell them that I didn’t have time, that I had too much responsibility and stress. The realty was that to help me navigate that stress and responsibility all I needed to do was let loose a little and take a deep breath. As I’ve done this I’ve found myself having a lot more fun!

As we navigate this last week to two of school and finals I encourage you to try and sleep well and put your obstacles into perspective so that you can “just let loose and have fun” more often. I pushed this advice off for a long time, but once I started listening I noticed how much I should’ve been paying attention.

-Kaitlyn Maruszewski

2023-2024 District V Treasurer

Let’s chat! - insta: @kaitlyn_maruszewski