In the spirit of this week’s mental health special issue, our editorial board gave their favorite ways to de-stress and unwind.
Kate Denning, Editor-in-Chief
There’s nothing I love more than taking a bath, lighting a candle and slipping into clean sheets after a rough day. No one thinks clearly when they’re grimey! It’s also important for me to give gratitude even through the trials — at the end of the day, I am lucky to be living out the very things I once wished for.
Justin Welch, Managing Editor
I like to read a few pages from a book at the end of the day to wind down. Clears my mind, slows down the pace and whatnot.
Ethan Bakogiannis, Managing Editor
Even if there’s many times it ends in my controller getting thrown across the room, playing video games is my preferred way of unwinding. It takes me to a different place, one where instead of worrying about assignments, tests and bills, I can play on a field, swing through city streets or fight bad guys with my friends — something that’s gotten me through thick and thin throughout my life.
Olivia Smith, Copy Desk Chief
Self-care nights are my favorite way to de-stress and unwind. Those nights consist of face masks, an iced Coke Zero and a good book. Another necessity is binge-watching Love Island and any movie starring Glen Powell with my best friends. It truly can’t get any better than those kinds of nights.
Matthew Burkhart, News Editor
Reuniting with my little sister after a busy week of college and trading stories from the week as we take our all-too-familiar walk around the neighborhood replenishes my battery. Our tales are only interrupted to assign a name to the passing turtle or rabbit.
Ally Tennant, News Editor
Sitting and yapping with Cate Humphreys, the photo editor, while we contemplate our life choices since we were eight. Love ya, Cate.
Sarah Hoffer, Culture Editor
When I’m feeling down, overwhelmed and unsure about things, I find it to be very helpful to put away all technology and make myself a nice and cozy meal. It helps me connect to myself and to real things in front of me, and I find it to be grounding in a hard moment.
Ellie Bruno, Design Editor
I can’t begin to describe how impactful family pets are in my life, especially as a dog person, their energy is able to lift any funk I’m in. Recently, my partner adopted a kitten, and I’ve come to realize that cats have the same effect on me, even if they also cause an awful allergic reaction that takes days to recover from.
Lucy Osborn, Graphics Editor
Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Therapy ice cream. The name is a bit on the nose, but it does wonders. I cuddle up in bed, find a nice long YouTube video essay and indulge in chocolatey goodness.
Skye Crawford, Opinion Editor
Napping is good; napping is great; napping is everything I appreciate.
Rocky Berhe, Assistant Opinion Editor
I love going to hot yoga or pilates, anything that requires my utmost presence and complete focus.
Colby Trotter, Sports Editor
Grounding.
Connor VanDerMark, Assistant Sports Editor
Music. If I’m not hanging out with friends or in class, my AirPods will most likely be in. There is no problem that can’t be fixed with some Kendrick Lamar or J. Cole. After a long trip to the Queen City for Saturday’s poor showing and an unfortunate Indianapolis Colts loss, my Spotify usage is through the roof.
Aidan Carlson, Assistant Sports Editor
Playing seven straight hours of my College Football 25 New Mexico Los Lobos Dynasty until there is a controller through the TV.
Ethan Rimolt, Photo Editor
Life can be incredibly hard, everyone knows that. I love to read my Bible when I get stressed out or don’t know where to go.
Lamentations 3:19-22 NIV
Cate Humphreys, Photo Editor
I tend to self-isolate when I feel down. Most of the time, I just need to yap it out. My favorite person to yap with is fellow editor Ally Tennant. Our humor is that of an eight-year-old boy, but we embrace each other in all our goofiness. Love you, Ally.
Nicole Bharrat, Video Editor
When feeling stressed, I like to have mandated outside time. Since coming to college, I have forgotten how much time I actually spent outdoors as an adolescent. Sometimes, just sitting on a bench and looking at the trees for 20 minutes is enough to reset. Don’t forget to take the time to look up!
Jakob Halbur, Assistant Video Editor
Usually turning off most NC State athletics games in favor of 2024 March Madness highlights is good enough to do the trick to make most bad days better. However, if that’s not an option I really enjoy cooking up some homemade bread and soup for myself. And hey, nothing warms the soul more than some chicken tortilla soup and D.J. Burns absolutely bodying Kyle Filipowski.
