LOH #111: At Times, The C in Christmas Stands for Cope

One of the things I have realized over the past few years, I am usually restless when Christmas is fast approaching. These days I have been sleeping nonstop only to wake up still feeling tired. I hope saying I cannot find any motivation to be productive is an enough reason however, most of us experience the same thing when under a lot of pressure and some learned how to successfully overcome it. While me, I am trying as well. Although I cannot entirely tell that all my coping mechanisms are healthy, they somehow help me get rid of stress temporarily.

These are the ways I would like to drop here:

• I read.

Not solely literary books, it can be anything I set my eyes on. It will not take me long to finish if I think it is interesting. I can actually be distracted easily which is not good for me. That is why I keep my phone away or simply turn off my data.

• Write.

I write occasionally. It used to be a hobby when I was younger, I did not care if what I wrote was nonsense as long as anyone who had read my pieces would be entertained. But now, I am just glad I can write and keep myself sane.

• Listening to music.

I am a music enthusiast, I like to explore different types of genres and styles. Yet when I am stressed out I either listen to calm or heavy metal songs.

• Being with my pets.

Dogs are lifesavers. I have always been in love with them. I treated every dog I adopted as my family, each moment I lost one of them it feels like my heart is being ripped out of my chest. I have a dog that’s been with me for almost 3 years, I cannot imagine my life without him. He is not fond of strangers and tends to bark loudly when he heard a voice he is not familiar with. Nevertheless, he is still adorable for me. It is fascinating how they can comfort you when you are struggling to get through the day.

If I am being honest, managing stress has never been easy for me. Especially when it is during holiday season, there are too much to think about I am afraid my mind is about to burst. I do not want to not be able to enjoy just because everything overwhelms me hence, I am giving me the space needed to let go of the stress and distract myself by doing what I only feel like doing. I believe it is also important to allow yourself to breathe for a while.

Alice

_{I used to stumble upon dreams where I was floating as a child, it went higher and higher—the world seemed tinier in my eyes. There were several nights I would have a similar dream when I started to be older, the only difference was the fall that occurred shortly afterwards. It happened so often I no longer remember how I actually felt. One time, I noticed a small crack that made everything crumble and I sank. I never ceased slipping until then.}

_{Hello! I go by the name Alice, under the username @lienric. A graduating senior high school student. I am from Laguna, Philippines. I enjoy doing a lot of things although, I am far from being considered as consistent. Yet I know that we are just trying to survive, and my pets are here to keep me alive. I write when all there is for me to tolerate becomes unbearable, or on some days I think I am a giant with hands I do not recognize.}

_{Pictures used are all mine.}