Editor’s Note: Kayla’s Korner will be a reoccurring column that deals with mental health and teenage issues.

Self-care is really important when dealing with depression, anxiety, etc. It can help you relax and de-stress from everything going on around you.

For me, I like doing self-care on specific nights a few days a week. I dedicate about an hour or so to get my mind and body less tense and calm.

I love skin care. Products like moisturizer, face serum, and hydrating sprays are some of my favorite items to put on my face. Taking care of your skin really makes a big difference and can make you feel more confident. Having a skin care routine makes me feel clean and hydrated throughout the night and next day.

I also love to take long showers. Although I don’t take them often, they really allow you to think and plan everything out and to just truly relax. I especially like hot showers.

I usually don’t do this at night, but working out is another really big self-care tip to help with de-stressing. It is also really good for you. I try to workout everyday and it really allows me to burn off steam and distract myself. I like putting everything I have into my workout and then afterwards, I feel amazing.

A lot of people don’t like working out, so if you are one of those people, I would suggest going for a walk with some friends or just by yourself with your headphones in, listening to music. Any type of exercise is beneficial.

Journaling is another tip that I do often. It helps get all your thoughts and struggles down. Writing can lead you to a solution to your problems or struggles.

I don’t suggest it to be long, but taking a nap can also make you feel rejuvenated and refreshed. I take naps almost everyday, but when I wake up from them, they make me more tired. If you’re like me, maybe don’t try this tip. Power naps are actually really good for you and can make you feel more awake and energized.

If you have a dog or a cat, petting them can be very de-stressing. It is very therapeutic for both you and your pet. It overall lowers your heart rate and blood pressure. For the pet, it makes them less upset or anxious.

Meditation is another tip I would suggest. I only do it once it a while, because sometimes it doesn’t really work for me. You have to be really focused and want to do it for it to actually help. I especially like meditations that focus a lot on deep breathing.

As mentioned a few articles back, I love music. Listening to music is another tip that can make you live in the present. It allows you to calm down. I specifically like listening to slow or acoustic songs.

The last tip I would suggest is giving yourself a social media and technology break. Sometimes, this can be what is causing you to be stressed. Whenever I take breaks like this, I always feel more awake and open to the world. Even if it is just for an hour, breaks are great and really get your mind off everything.

Coming next: Kayla’s Korner will be continuing with weekly articles. Next week, Kayla will discuss what recovery and coping is like for her right now.