Unfollow accounts on social media
Unfollow any accounts on social media (that includes: brands, celebrities, gossip pages, fanpages, relatives, etc.) that cause you distress. If a certain account brings more negativity than positivity in your life, then you do not need to be exposed to daily content from it. It does not mean the person or the page itself is bad, but the effects of you being in contact with the content on the account are detrimental to your wellbeing. This also goes for noisy family members, judgmental friends or acquaintances that put a strain on your social media production. Are you able to post, write and share whatever you want? Or are you afraid of the repercussions from certain people? Well, this is your account and you should be free to do whatever you want. If someone is taking away from that freedom, delete them. Social media should be a place of entertainment, not a place for further uncomfortable interactions and negative emotions.
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End friendships and relationships that disturb your peace
I know it is easier said than done. However, I can promise you that getting rid of a dreadful friendship or relationship will be the hardest, yet the most rewarding thing you will ever do for yourself. We spend a good amount of time being in contact with our friends and lovers. Sometimes, they see us more than our family. It is important that they bring a healthy energy into our lives. No relationship is perfect and I am not encouraging you to flee because of resolvable misunderstandings, but I am encouraging you to be honest with yourself and learn to let go of the dead weight in your personal life.
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Leave your sh*tty job
It does not pay you enough and it brings out the worst of you—drop the job, sis. If you have not been told before, here is the tea. No job is worth losing your peace of mind, especially as a student. It might sometimes feel there are no other options but to endure while you can, but I am challenging you to fight this belief. There are plenty of jobs out there. They may not be your dream jobs, but they are less stressful and will cover the bills. I stopped focusing on the title and shifting the priority to peace. Ever since the shift, I have worked in emotionally low-maintenance jobs. It took a couple of tries, but I have found a job with benefits, with an amazing crew and flexible hours! If it can happen for me, believe it can happen for you too.
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Give yourself breaks
Take time to be by yourself and do wellness checks. We cannot afford spa trips every weekend, but sometimes, a little quiet time can undo the damage of days and weeks under stress. Sometimes, the toxicity can come from within. We can be our worst enemies and it is important to take the time to self-evaluate and reflect on how to be a better friend to ourselves. Breaks can take the form of car rides, weekend getaways, a date by yourself, or unplugging from social media for a few hours or days. Anything that provides you with the mental distance from outside disturbances is a break. Take one occasionally or schedule one every few weeks (or when needed!)
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Edited by: Juliet Booker