So, Shorty… What’s your favorite way to relax? Unwind and calm down from a long, stressful day?

Well… I like to cook a nice dinner, maybe take a nice, hot bath, meditate before bed… What about you?

It depends on the day. I definitely sleep better if I meditate before bed, even if only for a few minutes. The sound of a keyboard clacking or a pencil scratching is so soothing. Same with a cat, specifically one of mine, purring in my ear. Dancing in the rain is always a fun time, and makes me feel so much calmer-

Until you get sick.

Only if I don’t dry off and warm up right, hush. Reading, depending on the story, is also a great way to unwind. Some stories just make me think more, though.

So, do you have to be writing something productive for typing and writing to help?

Nah, I can literally just write out the alphabet twenty times and feel better. With typing, I either just start out a story I’ll never finish just to get words out, or I listen to music and type out choice lines from songs I listen to.

Well, that sounds like good ways to relax. Do they always work?

Hand writing does. I don’t know a time that it doesn’t, really. But the rest are dependent. Well, the rain is dependent on it actually raining. My cats aren’t helpful if they’re wanting super snuggles and it is HOT in the house. The keyboard requires more energy for me some days than others, and meditation always seems to help, at least with sleeping, but it’s hard to focus for it. Reading, as I already said, depends on the story.

What about music? Is there any music that soothes you?

A couple songs- “Shana’s Theme” from the Legend of Dragoon soundtrack is so soothing. Admittedly, when I was younger, she was my second favorite character.

Behind Rose, right?

Duh. Really, Shana’s still a favorite of mine, but Albert has definitely risen in my esteems. Anyway, music- “Here Comes A Thought” from Steven Universe is also a good, calming song. Really, those are the only two guaranteed to settle my soul, though “So What” from P!nk does usually make me smile.

Very nice. It’s good that you know tricks to de-stress. Not everyone works the same when it comes to this, so some people have real trouble finding things that work for them.

You’re telling me. It’s taken me a long time to realize what really works for me to calm down. Hey, maybe some of our suggestions will help some readers figure out their own techniques.

I hope so- Less stress is hard to come by at times.