When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom, “Throwback Thursday”. Now, I’m not talking about posting a picture from a time of pigtails and gel pens, or an adorable toddler version of you in a sailor hat, but rather the essence of nostalgia that it speaks to. Sometimes, nothing is as comforting as reminiscing on a simpler time before majors and internships and seventy-five minute classes.
Since Thanksgiving break is nearing with the beaconing promise of free-time, here are some good ways to throw it back, and cool it down when the stress of school and the future becomes too much to handle.
90s Rock/Pop Pandora station
If we are close friends, you will know of my obsession with 90s rock/pop music. Perhaps, I am in the minority here, but nothing calms me down like some angry chick rock or songs about Audrey Hepburn movies. I fully recommend turning on this Pandora station, or any 90s playlist, when you start feeling the stress of school. It will bring you back to a time when everything was Third Eye Blind and nothing hurt. Because you know, when everything’s made to be broken, we all need a little something that gets us to step back from that ledge my friend, cause everything’s gonna be alright, rockabye. Rockabye.
Re-read old books
For some reason, whenever my friends and I have made a trip to Beachwood mall lately, we end up spending inordinate amounts of time in the children’s bookstore, captivated by Berenstain Bears and Shel Silverstein. Last time we successfully read through all of Stellaluna, and what an adventure it was. Now I’m not saying go out of your way to get to a bookstore, especially one meant for early readers, but for me it is important to keep at least one Harry Potter book on-campus. When you feel overwhelmed and need to break away, what better way to escape than through your old favorite book? Whatever that may be for you! There is much to be gained in re-reading books; it’ll be different each time through. Seriously, go back and re-read the books you read in high school when you didn’t actually care, or were too busy with another activity to put in the time and effort. You’ll be surprised how much more you get out of it now that you are older and not being forced to read it with responsibility attached. Pick up a book over break, it’ll be time well spent.
Watch your favorite childhood movie
I’ve noticed a strong correlation between my viewing of Disney movies and stressful weeks. When schoolwork piles up and feels like Dumbo is sitting on your chest, it may be difficult to make time for an entire film, but luckily most animated movies are shorter! Whether it is calming yourself down before a long week, or as a means to unwind and reward yourself after you get through it, lighthearted movies with song and dance numbers are probably scientifically proven to increase your odds of hot cocoa consumption and feelings of warm fuzziness. Plus, if you are feeling incompetent, you’ll instantly gain confidence through your ability to quote every line and/or song.
Watch old TV shows
This channels off of the last one, but Netflix added a lot of the classic, wonderful television shows from Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and even educational programs such as “The Magic School Bus” to their feed (you can watch TV and learn!). So go utilize that, Football Head!
P.S. They have High School Musical as well. You’re welcome.
Celebrate traditions
Thanksgiving is a holiday centered around family and your shared traditions, so what better way to spend a break than celebrating those relationships and memories. Cherish your plans, bring out board games, and help your mom with the big dinner. Nothing will make you feel like a little kid again quite like your uncle bashing the government, or your grandmother complaining about her various ailments, all while stuffing stuffing into their faces! It’s truly a magical holiday. If you’re feeling really nostalgic, dress up in full on Pilgrim garb, and give all your relatives hats with feathers.
Have “one of those nights”
My friends and I have come to know the phrase “one of those nights” as a means of communicating that we are nostalgic and reminiscing, usually in the form of Facebook time-traveling. As a bit of a hoarder, I tend to keep most letters and things I arbitrarily deem important. And as a bit of a romantic, I tend to go back and reread and examine those relics. Facebook makes hoarding socially acceptable, in the form of a networking site that neatly contains all memories in posts, pictures, and messages. There was a time where “one of those nights” meant I was going through these old memories, responding much like the Emma Stone/Adele SNL skit. Now, these nights of looking back and reflecting result in a smile, whether it is over the fact that I’ve grown up and moved on from certain aspects of my life, or by the comfort of trusting that the evidence of the past ensures even more adventures for the future. Sometimes it’s nice to just remember and smile.
Apparently there is an app (Timehop) that does this for you, so perhaps that is something to invest in for these nostalgic nights.
Bring back “NOT”
When stress hits, just resort to a 90s kid and make sarcastic comments, adding “NOT” at the end. “I’m so glad I have a final on my 21st birthday. NOT.” “We are all so prepared for this test. NOT.” “I don’t even care about Thanksgiving break. NOT.” Count how many friends you drive away!
Dunkaroos
Why are you reading this and not out buying and dunking these delicious vessels of happiness and confetti? Get out of here. Go. And while you’re out, pick up some Trix yogurt and Fruit by the Foot.