Khanu’s guide to staying sane

Leah Khanu

At this time of year, staying sane might be a little difficult. With the weird breaks, snow days, unit tests, impending mental breakdowns, ACTs, music concerts and yearbook deadlines, sanity might be a little hard to maintain.

I’ve found that if I have small things to keep my brain organized and my emotions as positive as those of a pessimist can be, I’m (a little bit) more productive.

For example, writing down all the things I need to do in colorful pens. The more colors, the better. The act of writing everything down reduces the stress of having to remember everything, and the colors improve my mood.

Blasting music helps. Loud music, fast music, music that was recommended to you by that one kid from English. Any type of music. It just has to get your feet tapping or head nodding. Then dance around like a loon.

I have a friend who says she de-stresses by cleaning her room. An organized room can lead to an organized mind. An organized room can also buy you at least an hour of procrastination.

Everyone has their own way to destress and keep their sanity. This time of year is one of the best times to figure out what yours is. (Only because if you fail, you might not make it through the year. No pressure.)