As a junior I am a member of the 500 something most stressed out people in school. Not only am I a junior but I am a student, along with about 2100 other kids, at one of the top ten high schools in the state and while the stress at any school can get rough, everyone knows that the pressure can be intense and the workload can be high.  So in the spirit of staying sane, I have started this blog to remind my fellow knights, and myself for that matter, to stop and smell the roses, take a walk in the park or watch a funny movie; essentially want everyone to take a deep breath and smile. Inspire d by the website 1000awesomethings.com, I will be posting this blog twice a week until the the end to the school year, 82 times in all, about things that are meant to make you grin. Happy moments, enjoyable memories, blissful feelings; you name it, I’ll post it. So, overall, take a minute to just relax and think happy thoughts.


Thought #10-  Dancing


Before I get too far into this I think you should all know something about yours truly: I am an awful dancer. OK, maybe not a awful dancer but just a really, really awkward one.  Think of a Charlie Brown character and that’s me.
But being awkward has never stopped me before,  and it sure as “h-e-double hockey sticks” doesn’t stop be from dancing, especially at homecoming.


Homecoming is a great place to let loose (responsibly of course). Dancing there really helps to blow off steam from the stressful beginning of the year.
Now some people may argue that the “dancing” that goes on at homecoming is not really dancing, rather some odd motions that overcome teenagers   who are around loud music. It seems like some cross between bouncing and various hip movements. However, for the sake of this entry, we’ll call it dancing.
After an exhausting week of  dressing up, competing  in various events and all of the regular school work that accumulates throughout the week, dancing up a storm with your friends and/or significant other can be a major stress reducer.
This is probably why three major school dances are scheduled during,  or after,  some of the most stressful parts of the year.
Homecoming is right after students get fully accustomed to their school schedules and into some of the more intense parts of their classes and Winter Ball is the Saturday after first semester finals and prom ends a work filled year upperclassmen.
Whether you are an intense student in five AP classes and three billion activities,  or are fine trying to get by in the classes you are in, school and life outside of school can get mind– bogglingly stressful at times. Including troubles with a teacher, an upcoming test or a fight with a friend or parent can leave your hair falling out.
Thankfully,  there is a quick fix when you are down in the dumps. Any type of cardio workout, such as running, playing a sport or, that’s right, dancing can help your brain produce chemicals called endorphins. These chemicals are scientifically proven to reduce stress, lead to feelings of euphoria and enhance the immune system.
There is no need to wait for a school dance to get this endorphin boost, though. Just turn on the radio in your room and dance like no one is watching (because they’re not).  Close your door and turn the volume up all the way on your respective MP3 player and just dance.
And yes, the air guitar is completely acceptable.