How to Chill Out

Preface

Sometimes emotions come, and sometimes they’re negative and outright painful. When things feel out of control, here are a few ways to chill out and get back to feeling good.

Strategy

I'll break down a few things you can try. Use them, or don't—up to you. I do all of these, but not every day. Some days I do them all; other days, none.

Try meditation

Focusing on your breath can help you calm down. You could also just stare at a wall or sit quietly with your thoughts. Whatever you do, don't reach for your phone and scroll. Maybe just notice that you want to pick up your phone—that's part of the process.

Try exercise

Exercise is underrated. It should be the first thing people add to their routine, but it’s usually the last (source: me). When you exercise, it signals to your body that you're alive and well. It helps regulate your body’s systems, and moving your blood around probably flushes out some of the bad stuff too.

Start writing something

If you can list your problems, you’ll have a better shot at fixing them. Organizing your thoughts is way easier if you write them down. Don’t think you can just think your way through everything—your brain’s too chaotic for that. There’s no mental dashboard, so get it all on paper (or a screen).

Do a hobby

If you don’t already have a hobby, just pick something—anything beyond your usual responsibilities. Actively choosing to engage in something can shift your brain into a different mode. And no, you won’t always enjoy it, but that’s okay. You should like it sometimes, at least.

Avoid passive media

If you’re just consuming a bunch of media without actively engaging, it’s probably not great. Reading, for example, requires your attention. You can't passively read. But scrolling through social media, watching YouTube, or binging TV are passive activities. They’re fun but can lead to feeling lost or unmotivated if you overdo it.

Try to eat healthy

Eating healthy matters. Stick to whole ingredients like sweet potatoes, steak, beans, brown rice, and buckwheat. Avoid overly processed foods that have been broken down and reassembled into something unrecognizable. If you can’t tell what it’s made of, it’s probably not great for you.

Do your job

Focus on your job—but not too much. Set boundaries, but also aim for progress. Consistency is key. Writing down goals helps. If you're putting off work, it’ll just linger in the back of your mind, adding to your stress later.

Find a good job

A good job gives you some freedom and flexibility, especially if you’re good at it. But remember, a job is something you need to do. Not doing it can be a big source of anxiety. At the end of the day, it pays the bills. Unless you don’t have any bills, in which case, you’re either a kid or someone who's figured out how to opt out of adult responsibilities.

Conclusion

Chilling out is about finding balance in your life. It’s not about perfection or doing everything at once. Some days you’ll meditate, exercise, or write—other days you’ll do none of that. The point is to keep trying things that work for you, focus on what helps you feel good, and cut out the stuff that makes things harder. Keep it simple, stay consistent, and give yourself the space to relax and reset.