Navigating 4/20
It can seem like there's a holiday for almost everything these days. We celebrate National Coffee Day, National Donut Day, and even National Yoga Day. While many of these mini holidays are a fun opportunity to connect with others over a shared love of food or activities, some days can do more harm than good and affect your physical health and mental well-being.
If you're considering using marijuana or taking part in 4/20, it's important to know the risks associated with using marijuana and consider alternatives that don't require you to compromise your health. Here are a few ways you can say NO to the effects of marijuana on 4/20 and still relieve stress, plus keep your mind (and body!) sharp:
Option 1
Get outside and hike one of your favorite trails! Washington is known for its beautiful nature hikes, and the warm weather is a great bonus to the fresh air you'll get.
The benefits? You can clear your mind and get your body moving! Physical activity, like hiking, can boost your mood and keep your heart and lungs healthy. Using marijuana, on the other hand, can affect your lung capacity and make it harder to breathe or catch your breath when taking part in physical activities like running, hiking, or playing sports.
Option 2
Get creative with a new arts and crafts project or DIY challenge that can transform an old piece of furniture or just about anything in your home into a true masterpiece. Not sure where to find inspiration for your next project? Check out places like Pinterest or follow a few artists on social media for ideas!
The benefits? Finding time to get creative, like painting or drawing, can help reduce stress and improve your mood. Using marijuana, on the other hand, can make it harder to concentrate on things you enjoy and limit your ability to focus on things that matter, like school or work.
Option 3
Get jamming by creating a new playlist for spring or pick up a new instrument!
The benefits? Listening to music or playing an instrument can also help reduce stress and boost your mood, plus give you an outlet to express yourself and help you focus your energy into something positive. By not using marijuana, you can find time to learn a new hobby or create a cool playlist that you can share with others!
Plus, you can find PLENTY more ideas tailored to your interests and passions at: http://ow.ly/P9Ib50IN2xm
Feeling Pressured to Use Marijuana?
Feeling pressured to use marijuana can put you in a vulnerable and sometimes awkward position with your friend group. You might wonder...
"If I say no to using marijuana, will I lose my friends?
"Will they think I'm uptight and not fun to be around?
"Will I stop being invited to hang out?"
These thoughts are normal and the important thing to remember is that you're in charge of the decisions you make and the activities you choose to partake in.
Friends should never force you to participate in activities that make you feel uncomfortable, especially ones that can affect your ability to drive home or make conscious decisions. If your friends won’t support your decision to either stop or not use marijuana, consider surrounding yourself with people who do and who can support you as you continue to say “no” to marijuana.” There are plenty of other ways to have fun and friends who don’t use marijuana can take the pressure off you and keep you healthy too!
Now what?
Now that you know the risks of using marijuana and have ways to refocus your energy today, let's have a great 4/20 by saying NO to marijuana and YES to a healthy mind and body. For more information on the effects of using marijuana, visit: http://ow.ly/zFkL50Iszze