INPUT ARTICLE: Article: As soon as you know about something that would normally stress you out, make a list of the things you need to get done. Schedule yourself plenty of time to finish the task so you don’t feel rushed to complete them later on. Focus on the most important thing you need to finish and work toward things that are easier.  For example, if you need to study for a big test, start with the concepts that you aren’t as familiar with since they’ll take the most time for you to learn. There are always going to be situations where you can’t plan ahead. Rather than letting them stress you out, think of them as a good opportunity to learn so you can handle something similar later on. Think about all of the people and things that you appreciate in your life. You can either just keep a mental list or it may help to write them down so you’re able to remember them easier. If you’re feeling stressed, go through your list so you can recognize the things you enjoy in life and what you’re proud of. Try keeping a gratitude journal where you jot down things you are thankful for. You can refer back to it during times you’re feeling down. It’s normal to have negative thoughts from time to time, but take some time to think about your day to notice the positive things that have happened to you. If you have trouble thinking of something from today, try to remember anything positive in your life. Point out the things about yourself that you’re happy with, such as achievements you’ve earned or talents you have so you can find some positivity. Tell yourself that you are competent and can handle things, and watch your stress level go down. Constantly checking social media, text messages, and emails can cause a lot of stress, so take a break from screens for 5–10 minutes at a time throughout the day. Stand up and stretch, take a walk, look out your window, or socialize with someone in person so you can get away from your devices.  If you’re hanging out with your friends, put your phone away or put it on silent so you can enjoy quality time without distractions. Take active steps toward making time where you are unreachable. Some jobs can make this difficult to do, but your lower stress level will make it worth it. Fill your tub with the hottest water you can handle and add 10–30 drops of lavender essential oil for a relaxing aroma. Soak in the tub as long as you want so your whole body relaxes. Take deep breaths through your nose so you can smell the oils and destress even more.  You can also try using eucalyptus, peppermint, or chamomile oil for similar effects. Play relaxing music or light candles while you’re in the bath to make your bathroom feel the most relaxing like a spa. Choose music that makes you happy and boosts your mood to play throughout the day. It doesn’t matter what genre you choose as long as it’s something you enjoy. Make a stress-relief playlist so you can put it on whenever you need to relax. Try listening to music while you work, exercise, drive, or just do chores around the house. Have fun and dance along to your music to help stay active and reduce stress even more! Rub the muscles on the back of your neck and shoulders with a closed fist. Use your thumbs to massage your head and face in small circles, focusing on your temples, jaw, and forehead. You should start feeling relief immediately, but you can continue massaging the rest of your body to help you relax. If you can afford it, you can also pay for a professional massage at a spa or massage therapist.

SUMMARY: Plan ahead if you can to prepare for stressful events in the future. Make note of the things you’re grateful for. Think positively about yourself. Take some time to unplug from technology. Take a hot bath with lavender oil to unwind after a long day. Listen to your favorite music. Try giving yourself a massage to help you calm down.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you don't remember the exact date, just ask! It would be really embarrassing to get the date wrong. Once you know the date, write it down in your calendar so you don't miss it next year. First you should ask her, but don't be surprised if she acts like she doesn't want anything. She does not mean nothing. You should plan to get her something, or at least spend some time with her.  If you don't want to ask directly, pretend you already have the present and ask her to guess what it is. Chances are, the items she guesses are things she wants, and will give you some ideas. If she says she wants something specifically, get it for her. If it's too expensive, get her something totally different. For example, if she says she wants a certain kind of perfume, but it is too expensive for you, don't get her a different kind of perfume. Get her something like a necklace, instead. Making a present shows that you care enough to spend time and effort. Either way, consider the following:  Get her a framed picture of you two. For bonus points, make or decorate the frame. Write a list of the reasons you love/like her. She will just DIE of happiness if you do this. Make sure the list is sincere and meaningful. It must be at least 10 reasons why. Hand write it, even if you have really bad handwriting. She will keep it forever! A handwritten love letter is an excellent choice, too. Some girls love flowers. If she has a green thumb, get her a potted plant so she can take care of it. Try jewelry. This includes a necklace, bracelet, or pair of earrings. Do not get her a ring unless you're planning to propose. Also, stick to the basic silver or gold (anything more colorful just screams middle school). It doesn't have to be expensive, just meaningful. Try Claire's for jewelry under $20, or look at your local art and wine festival for an artistic selection. If you're handy, search the wikiHow category on jewelry for pieces you can make yourself. Get her a joke gift. For example, if you two have an inside joke about monkeys, get her a stuffed monkey, or make her a sock monkey. Get her a sweatshirt or tee shirt from a memorable place you two went. For example, if you went to an Angels game, get her an Angels sweatshirt. If you haven't yet been somewhere memorable together, take her somewhere special and make that part of the gift. If you have awhile until your girlfriend's birthday, make her a scrapbook of the places you two have gone. Include pictures, ticket stubs, etc. Note that this takes a lot of time to be really good, so if you're only thinking of it the night before, save this thought for next year. Get her a book or journal. Write something on the inside front cover to give it a personal touch. Help her keep a journal of your relationship if it seems appropriate to do so. Get her her favorite candy. A birthday gift doesn't have to be a physical object. Just do something different than how you normally hang out. Go to a sit-down restaurant. If that is too expensive, make her a romantic picnic with candles and flowers. Don't forget beaches, nature, museums, landmarks, the theater, and concerts, if she likes any of those things. Make her a card, even if you are a bad artist. She will think your stick figures are cute! If you buy a card, make sure to hand write something personal on the inside. If you can't wrap presents, find someone who can. She will love it, just because it's from you.

SUMMARY:
Figure out when your girlfriend's birthday is. Figure out what to get her. Think about the stuff she likes. Make the gift yourself. Take her on a memorable date. Don't forget the card! Wrap the present neatly. Give her the present.