Stressin' vs. chillin'

Hey everyone,

Although this blog is primarily about chilling, sometimes one just has to blog about the complete opposite of all things "pura vida"- and that, of course, is STRESSING. I mean- I would love to say that my vida is totally pura all the time, but that would be a lie. For instance, right now- I am totally stressed out. In true kiki-fashion I have developed a list *gasp* about the ultimate dilemma: to stress or to chill?

To Stress: Ok guys, like the girl in this photo, sometimes stressing involves being hunched over a laptop worrying about all the schoolwork you have to do. Usually- being surrounded by modes of work (read: laptop) tends to initiate some form of productivity. So I guess my point is this- if one is stressed out in a work environment- it makes them more productive in the end. This, ultimately, alleviates the initial stress!

Counseling sessions are also great outlets for stress. As many of you contributors know, the ol' kikster can definitely have a stress fest during supposed "chillfests". The thing is- sometimes talking about (insert worries here) with a good friend or family member can help relieve the stress. If you let stress bottle up, something horrible could happen- like a "meltdown". So the occasional stressfest is absolutely warranted.


Stressed out? Eating helps. I love to use "stress" as an excuse to eat two boxes of Green Giant Creamed Spinach in a row and THEN some chocolate ice cream! Eating makes people happy- it also makes them forget about their problems. Instead of worrying about our life and other people's lives, we can just think about how delicious french fries are or how it is seemingly impossible to eat them without a side of mayo. Stress is a great justification for a midnight trip to Wendy's or eating an entire pint of Ben & Jerry's. This is undoubtedly the best side effect of stress.

To Chill:

I think this dog might have it all figured out. Chillin' is all about being comfortable, wearing shades, and lounging in the sun. Chilling is so so so great. We all know this, but we aren't dogs. We can't just sit in the sun where our biggest worries are getting dinner and going to the bathroom in the grass. So- we have to face facts- we can't chill ALL the time.

It is imperative that when you are chilling- you aren't stressing. Sometimes, it is good to distract yourself while chilling- like maybe watching TV or reading a book. When you chill, you can focus on everything but your problems. Chilling involves lounging and practicing the art of "pura vida"- unfortunately this doesn't really help better any possible stressful situations that build up while you are busy chilling.

Here is the thing, when all is said and done, chilling is also about eating. Sometimes a chillfest is eating nachos with two of your best friends. Stress should never enter as a topic of conversation when there are nachos! I love nachos. I also love my two best friends. There is absolutely no way to argue those two facts.

Well, I guess the solution is pretty clear. When faced with the option of chillin' or stressin'- I always try to aim for chillin'. And yes, sometimes I sucker out and take the stress route- but either way I am going to be eating.

Sources of pics:www.malehealth.co.uk/,http://www.furallover.com/,photo.net, girlslife.com,photos.themezz.com